SPORTS CANOPY – BOCHUM (GERMANY)

Construction of a sports canopy in Bochum covering a running track

As part of the renovation of Lohrheide Stadium, SMC2 delivered a 2,482 sqm sports canopy designed to cover a 50-meter sprint track in Bochum-Wattenscheid.

The load-bearing structure is hybrid, combining glulam timber framing with hot-dip galvanized steel. The roofing is made of a tensile membrane, providing consistent, natural daylight across the running track.

In addition to protecting users from sun and rain thanks to the textile roof system, the canopy also features textile membrane façades in the upper sections. In the lower section, a one-meter-high soil strip is integrated along the north façade, while the other façades incorporate green walls.

This structure is recognized for its low carbon footprint. Its timber frame, combined with vegetated façades, contributes to carbon storage, helping reduce the environmental impact of the project. The tensile membrane, for its part, provides a lightweight, white roofing solution that reflects sunlight, helping to prevent overheating in urban areas.