The Elbphilharmonie concert hall stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and cultural significance, with its construction relying on the cutting-edge sealing and bonding solutions provided by Sika. This architectural marvel was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of Elbphilharmonie Hamburg Bau GmbH, Herzog & de Meuron from Basel, and contractors Hochtief Solutions AG and ADAMANTA GmbH.

Project Requirements and Transformation

The project involved a meticulous transformation of an existing warehouse, stripping it back to its historical brick facade. To support the colossal weight of almost 200,000 tons, an additional 650 concrete piles were incorporated alongside the existing 1,000+ piles. The re-purposed warehouse now houses parking facilities, multiple restaurants, and rehearsal spaces for the concert hall. A spacious plaza of approximately 3,100m² acts as a seamless interface between the restored warehouse and the newly constructed components.

Concrete Technologies for Durability

Sika’s concrete technologies played a crucial role in ensuring the durability of the Elbphilharmonie. The Sika® Watertight Concrete System, employed in the basement and terraces, provided a robust defense against water penetration. The plaza foyer, adorned with large ceiling vaults and inclined concrete columns, utilized Sika® Silicoll SL additive to optimize concrete durability. Meeting Class 4 requirements for fair-faced concrete, Sika® Viscocrete® superplasticizer was chosen for complex concreting operations, contributing to the structural longevity of the project.

Corrosion Protection and Aesthetic Finishing

The sculptural stair balustrades, vital for both aesthetics and safety, were treated with SikaCor® EG system to ensure long-term abrasion and impact resistance. This anti-corrosive finish, achieved through epoxy resin/micaceous iron oxide and polyurethane topcoat, guarantees high chalking resistance and color retention. The meticulous corrosion protection enhances the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the steel components within the concert hall.

Sealing, Bonding, and Glass Facade Integrity

With over 70 meters of glass assembly fronting, the Elbphilharmonie’s glass facade demanded impeccable sealing and bonding solutions. Sika’s Sikasil® SG-500 structural silicone adhesive and Sikasil® IG-25 HM Plus silicone sealant were employed to fabricate the individual glass units, ensuring resilience against Hamburg’s challenging climate. Sika’s sealant solutions extended beyond the glass facade to encompass floor joints in break rooms and stairwells, providing a comprehensive sealing approach.

Roofing Systems for Structural Elegance

The grand hall’s column-free design is supported by an intricate steel frame, and its 6,200 m² roof area boasts an innovative steel beam configuration. Sika’s roofing solutions, including Sarnafil® TS 77-20 E multi-layer polymeric membrane, played a crucial role. The specialized membrane, fastened using the Sika® Sarnafast system, ensured watertight roofing with the flexibility required for steep angles. Sarnafil® TG 66-18 FPO membranes contributed to homogeneous welding, enhancing the structural integrity of the roofing system.

Products Used for Excellence

Sika’s array of products contributed significantly to the success of the Elbphilharmonie project, including concrete technologies (Sika® ViscoCrete®-1051, Sika® Silicoll SL), corrosion protection (Sika Poxicolor® Primer HE New, SikaCor® EG-System), sealing and bonding (Sikasil® SG 500, Sikasil® IG 25 HM Plus, Sikaflex sealants), and roofing systems (Sarnavap 5000 E, Sarnafil® TS 77-20 E RAL 7040, Sarnafast®-System, Sarnafil® TG 66-18, Sarnafil® accessories).

Conclusion: Sika’s Pioneering Role in Elbphilharmonie’s Success

In conclusion, Sika’s innovative solutions played a pivotal role in the construction of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, a landmark blending cultural significance and architectural excellence. From concrete technologies ensuring durability to corrosion protection, sealing, and roofing systems contributing to structural elegance, Sika’s comprehensive approach showcases its pioneering role in the success of this iconic cultural venue.