Projects
Hexagon TU Darmstadt

Renewal of the steps in the outdoor area of the “Hexagon” at TU Darmstadt

The lecture hall building S3|11 of the Technical University of Darmstadt, commonly referred to as the “hexagon” due to its striking hexagonal shape, has been a central element of the university since 1962. It is an architectural testimony to post-war modernism from the time of the reconstruction of Darmstadt's city center. The building has been extensively renovated until 2023.

As part of the refurbishment measures, the steps to the main entrance and in the southern area of the building also had to be replaced. The preservation order stipulated that the external appearance, including the dimensions, could not be changed from the original. This initially posed a problem for the planning, as the components, which were only 75 mm thick, could not be reinforced with traditional reinforced concrete in accordance with current standards. However, this problem was solved by using prefabricated parts made of DUCON.

The construction of the stairs was divided into two sections. First, the flight of stairs to the main entrance was renovated in 2019. After producing several surface samples to optimally replicate the exposed aggregate concrete surface of the existing building, the actual steps were produced and installed. Four years later, shortly before the entire renovation project was completed, further elements were added in the southern area of the building. In contrast to the first sub-project, components in classic concrete gray with an acidified surface for slip resistance were used here.

Since the reopening of the Hexagon in 2023, the DUCON components have formed an important part of the overall appearance and guide students and employees of TU Darmstadt into the building every day.

Project data:

• Execution period: 2019 to 2023
• Prefabricated stair treads with a component thickness of 75 mm
• A total of 37 components with exposed aggregate concrete facing or with an acidified surface