Superlative power: On the 21st June 2017 the worldwide highest-performance test centre for large scale bearings was inaugurated in Schweinfurt.
The new Sven Wingquist Test Centre is located in the south of the city and completes the SKF competence centre as its final element. From now on the new facility will be testing large bearings for wind power plants as well as for shipbuilding, mining and paper industry and further for cement and steel sector.
After 110 years of its successful history the company, which is still having a worldwide significance as one of the leading technology pioneers, has got a new corporate architecture: the aerodynamic appearance of the new construction and the interpretation of the SKF logotype by flowing, rounded forms embody the use while the materials represent high technological standards.
Two volumes of different height, positioned parallel to each other are the basis of the new construction. They celebrate the wind and the energy by their striking inclination. This dynamic form illustrates the power, which the test centres develop while testing single bearings as well as bearing assembly units under almost real conditions: up to 10 meganewton.
Located on a 14 hectare plot, both halls are massive constructions with reinforced concrete columns and a base slab made of fibre and reinforced concrete on a sleeve foundation. The façades are clad with reflective white aluminium panels. On the elongated north façade an impressive double profiled glazing displays the logotype with large-scaled letters. At night the oversized window with rounded corners enlightens the nearby highway and also refers to the spotlights of the SKF-Highrise, which stands only few hundreds of meters further on the waterside. The connection of both underlines additionally the urban relevance of the company.
Each volume has its own function. Two test centres for large scale bearings as well as two smaller test centres are located in the higher one-storey hall. An overhead crane for 110 tonnes ensures the levelling of the highly sensitive mechanical components. The smaller two-storey hall comprises areas with different technical functions, storage spaces as well as workshop zones. Office areas, the Control Room, a media centre with conference spaces complete the profile of the new building. Also the interior design follows consequently the flowing wind-leitmotif as one can perceive by looking at the cladding of the acoustic walls, the ceiling, the light concept and other interior details.
After its completion the striking new construction became a pioneer for renewable energies and energy-efficient technologies. Funded by two government programs with a total of Euro 3.5 million the project is seeking for a LEED Gold certificate. As a new symbol for the German environmental policies the Sven Wingquist Test Centre has already become a landmark for the city of Schweinfurt.
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The form of the building seemes to be shaped by the wind
Hans Jürgen Landes
Two volumes are positioned parallel to each other
Hans Jürgen Landes
Dynamic forms of the roof
Hans Jürgen Landes
and of the back
Hans Jürgen Landes
The details are repeting the main design concept
Hans Jürgen Landes
Inside the building
Hans Jürgen Landes
Details of the interior or furniture have also rounded forms
Hans Jürgen Landes
impressing rounded staircase
Hans Jürgen Landes
Detail of the interior
Hans Jürgen Landes
A conference room
Hans Jürgen Landes
At night the enlighted building shows its logotype
Schweinfurt
Germany
SKF GmbH
04/2017
5828 sq. m
Tchoban Voss Architekten
Annett Neitzel, Daniel Schnettka
Curriculum
Tchoban Voss Architekten, led by partners Sergei Tchoban (Berlin) and Ekkehard Voss (Hamburg, Dresden), currently have construction projects all over Germany and in Russia. The office plan, develop and build for both regional and international clients, in public and private sector. Tchoban Voss Architekten have been providing all kinds of architectural services − from interior architecture to general planning − ever since we went into business.
Sergei Tchoban, born in Saint Petersburg, Russia studied architecture at the Russian Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg. He is leading partner of Tchoban Voss Architekten, Berlin as well as director of the architectural studio SPEECH in Moscow.
Ekkehard Voss, born in Euskirchen, Germany studied architecture at the RWTH Aachen. Voss is leading partner of Tchoban Voss Architekten, managing the studios in Hamburg and Dresden.
