MODULAR GLULAM STADIUMS

Many stadiums are not in great shape. This, in combination with the ability to generate revenue if you own your stadium, is driving demand for mid-size stadiums, with capacities between 5 and 20 thousand. It is also causing a rethink as to how stadiums are designed and built, looking at options other than traditional concrete and metal models that take ages to build and cost a lot, both during construction and subsequently. Rubner Holzbau has partnered up with Bear Stadiums, an advisory and design firm, to come up with an innovative stadium prototype that is modular, made with glulam, has a reduced environmental footprint (well, it’s totally green) and is comfortable for users. The heart of the project is a 1,500-seater stand that has all the required facilities, including locker rooms, anti-doping stations, infirmary, press rooms, terrace, bar, restaurant and more. Since the design is modular, capacity can be fitted to demand in the following options: 3,000, 4,500, 5,500, 7,000, 8,500, 10,000, 12,500, 14,000, 16,000, 18,000 and 20,000 seats. For a mid-range solution, it takes about 6 to 8 months to assemble, at a cost of around E1,500 per seat (this rises to E 2,000 in smaller stadiums). A traditional stadium probably requires the building site to be open for 18 to 24 months, with the cost per seat between E 2,500 and E 3,000. The time and money savings are evident. The choice of glulam (of certified origin from sustainably managed forests) has the evident benefits of creating a sense of warmth, ensuring comfort and opening the way to various innovative, durable and light solutions with efficient engineering. Yet, it also has a further plus, as energy consumption is cut and CO2 emissions are reduced during the production and assembly stages. Given FIFA’s sustainability plan, Rubner Holzbau and Bear Stadiums have turned to a few Italian companies to help complete this “green” solution in a turnkey product. The results of this include: mini-turbines with integrated photovoltaic panels on the stadium roof to cutting running costs; low consumption floodlights and other lights; ergonomic seats in the bleachers and quality furnishings; a draining substrate under the pitch; waterproof steps to cut maintenance costs and produce watertight stands; pre-fabricated solutions for bathrooms, fencing and turnstiles; a synthetic pitch or a hybrid one that is highly recyclable, meeting the most demanding FIFA, UEFA and national federation standards; and customized merchandising and planning for the exterior stadium envelope.

 

RUBNER HOLZBAU
Via A. Ammon, 12 - I - 39042 Bressanone (BZ)
Tel. +39 0472 822666
E-mail: [email protected] - www.holzbau.rubner.com