Skip to content

Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall

Erlangen, DE
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Aerial view of the campus building with green roofs and skylights, surrounded by trees, parking areas, and nearby residential neighborhood.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Aerial view of the campus building with green roofs and skylights, surrounded by trees, parking areas, and nearby residential neighborhood.

At the southwestern edge of Röthelheimpark, a former military site is transformed into a new civic hub combining sports, education, and social infrastructure. The project creates a connected ensemble that integrates diverse functions within a clear and open spatial framework.

Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Sketch of a low building with rooftop units, surrounded by trees and paths, showing an entrance plaza and outdoor seating areas.

Arial View

The masterplan is defined by a strong unifying roof that brings together the sports hall and family center into a coherent whole. Rather than separate buildings, the design forms a connected structure in which each function remains legible while contributing to a shared identity. The existing climbing facility is integrated, reinforcing the layered character of the site. A central courtyard acts as the social heart, enabling movement, interaction, and visual connections between programs. Surrounding open spaces extend this concept into the landscape, with a multifunctional forecourt to the north and green areas that mediate between built form and open terrain.

Level 0 Family Center & Sports Hall

Client
Stadt Erlangen
Architects
Behnisch Architekturbüro
Address

Hartmannstrasse 116-118

91058 Erlagen
Germany

Competition

2018 (VGV)

Photography

David Matthiessen

Gross Area

5.119 qm / 55,102 sq.ft.

Gross Volume

16.039 cbm / 566,417 cu.ft.

Family Center

The family center is organized around a central foyer that links educational and social spaces. Circulation areas are conceived as active zones for play and informal exchange, while a balance of open and more private spaces allows for diverse uses. Roof terraces provide additional outdoor areas and strengthen the connection between interior and exterior.

Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Children playing on a small mound playground beside a wooden building, with a metal frame structure and fenced area under a clear sky.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Children playing on round platforms in a playground courtyard, with shade canopy, planting beds, and a climbing wall in the background.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Two children sit at a small table in a bright classroom, playing with toys; wooden shelves, a guitar, and a large window are in the background.
swipe
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Children playing on a small mound playground beside a wooden building, with a metal frame structure and fenced area under a clear sky.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Children playing on round platforms in a playground courtyard, with shade canopy, planting beds, and a climbing wall in the background.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Two children sit at a small table in a bright classroom, playing with toys; wooden shelves, a guitar, and a large window are in the background.

Family Center

The sports hall forms the anchor of the ensemble as a clear, robust volume. A column-free four-court hall is spanned by a wide timber roof, creating a bright and flexible interior. Supporting functions such as changing rooms, training areas, and spectator spaces are directly connected for efficient use.

Sports Hall

Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Bright interior atrium with a central staircase, concrete column, red accent wall, and children playing on round seats near an adult.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Empty indoor sports hall with marked courts, wooden wall panels, and a ceiling of exposed beams and acoustic panels.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Indoor gym play area with trampolines, foam pit, climbing wall, and netted play structure; two children jumping on a trampoline.
swipe
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Bright interior atrium with a central staircase, concrete column, red accent wall, and children playing on round seats near an adult.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Empty indoor sports hall with marked courts, wooden wall panels, and a ceiling of exposed beams and acoustic panels.
Project by Behnisch Architekturbuero, Family Center Röthelheim 11acht and Gerd Lohwasser Sports Hall. Indoor gym play area with trampolines, foam pit, climbing wall, and netted play structure; two children jumping on a trampoline.

Sports Hall

Section AA

Together, the buildings form a cohesive and vibrant environment that supports everyday activities as well as larger events, establishing a new focal point for community life.