Surf hotel on Spiekeroog
Membran Construction
Membran Construction
7th semester B.Sc
Winter semester 2021/22
Bachelor thesis
Winter semester 2021/22
Bachelor thesis
Leibniz University Hanover
Faculty of Architecture and Landscape
Institute for Design and Construction
Building Construction and Design
Prof. M. Schumacher
Faculty of Architecture and Landscape
Institute for Design and Construction
Building Construction and Design
Prof. M. Schumacher
Spiekeroog is one of the East Frisian North Sea islands in the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park. The island is car-free and only connected to the port of Neuharlingersiel by ferry. The island is a popular holiday destination due to its unspoilt and diverse nature, as well as various tourist offers and spa facilities. The offer is mainly limited to senior citizens, adults and families with small children. The island lacks affordable accommodation and adequate leisure facilities for young adults and teenagers.
In order to strengthen the island and expand its offer, the municipality has approved the already existing facility on the main beach for conversion into a surf hotel. This approx. 4,000 m² site is located in the north of the island and offers the space for an innovative and representative architecture between the dunes. The nature surrounding the design area is characterised by a hilly dune landscape and the proximity to the sea. This terrain is the source of inspiration for the concept. The symbolism of the waves and the topography has also been incorporated into the design process. The aim was to let the building become part of its surroundings. The site itself is characterised by a dune and a strong difference in height, with the terrain dropping up to 6 m within a few metres. In addition, the site is located directly at a fork in the road between the main connection of the village and the beach and the development of the western island. This results in the positioning of the four elongated bodies, each of which accommodates the functions of gastronomy, sleeping accommodation, wellness area and surf hall. The bodies are moved in reaction to each other. This generates a clear edge to the path in the north. At the same time, the dune on the site is preserved and visual relationships are made possible in both directions. Furthermore, two squares are created. A public one, and a hidden one with more privacy. The four bodies are connected by stairs and footbridges. The concept of the design is two-pronged. A tent construction spans the four elongated bodies, taking up the shapes of the landscape. Thermally insulated boxes stand on the floor slabs, forming protected spaces. The area between the boxes is open and forms communal areas and circulation zones. The design attempts to interfere only minimally with nature. Instead of a concrete floor slab, the construction is built exclusively on point foundations. The four elongated wooden base plates rest on disc foundations. The wooden boxes are of wooden panel construction and can thus be transported to the island and assembled there, for the most part prefabricated. The entire construction of the design is designed to allow the building to be erected quickly, reconfigured flexibly, and dismantled and reassembled elsewhere in an uncomplicated manner.
The membrane roof consists of a glass fibre high-strength fabric with PTFE coating. The sail surface is point-supported and has a flexible edge. The wooden masts that stretch the membrane upwards and the steel cables that pull the construction downwards alternate. As a result, each low point is opposed by a high point, creating alternating protected backsides and views of the natural surroundings.
In this case, the concept envisages simple accommodation for young sporty guests and people interested in surfing. In addition to the accommodation, communal areas used for different purposes are formed. These are mainly oriented towards the connecting area of the bodies and result in an experience path within the building. This starts in the upper body with the gastronomy. Passing the open dining area, a staircase leads down to a communal area with a small kitchenette. Then comes the wellness area with sauna and relaxation zone. Finally, the surf hall is reached, where the sails and surfboards are stored and repaired. The path opens alternately with its sides to the dunes. The openness of the design blurs inside and outside and creates a direct relationship with the surroundings.
In order to strengthen the island and expand its offer, the municipality has approved the already existing facility on the main beach for conversion into a surf hotel. This approx. 4,000 m² site is located in the north of the island and offers the space for an innovative and representative architecture between the dunes. The nature surrounding the design area is characterised by a hilly dune landscape and the proximity to the sea. This terrain is the source of inspiration for the concept. The symbolism of the waves and the topography has also been incorporated into the design process. The aim was to let the building become part of its surroundings. The site itself is characterised by a dune and a strong difference in height, with the terrain dropping up to 6 m within a few metres. In addition, the site is located directly at a fork in the road between the main connection of the village and the beach and the development of the western island. This results in the positioning of the four elongated bodies, each of which accommodates the functions of gastronomy, sleeping accommodation, wellness area and surf hall. The bodies are moved in reaction to each other. This generates a clear edge to the path in the north. At the same time, the dune on the site is preserved and visual relationships are made possible in both directions. Furthermore, two squares are created. A public one, and a hidden one with more privacy. The four bodies are connected by stairs and footbridges. The concept of the design is two-pronged. A tent construction spans the four elongated bodies, taking up the shapes of the landscape. Thermally insulated boxes stand on the floor slabs, forming protected spaces. The area between the boxes is open and forms communal areas and circulation zones. The design attempts to interfere only minimally with nature. Instead of a concrete floor slab, the construction is built exclusively on point foundations. The four elongated wooden base plates rest on disc foundations. The wooden boxes are of wooden panel construction and can thus be transported to the island and assembled there, for the most part prefabricated. The entire construction of the design is designed to allow the building to be erected quickly, reconfigured flexibly, and dismantled and reassembled elsewhere in an uncomplicated manner.
The membrane roof consists of a glass fibre high-strength fabric with PTFE coating. The sail surface is point-supported and has a flexible edge. The wooden masts that stretch the membrane upwards and the steel cables that pull the construction downwards alternate. As a result, each low point is opposed by a high point, creating alternating protected backsides and views of the natural surroundings.
In this case, the concept envisages simple accommodation for young sporty guests and people interested in surfing. In addition to the accommodation, communal areas used for different purposes are formed. These are mainly oriented towards the connecting area of the bodies and result in an experience path within the building. This starts in the upper body with the gastronomy. Passing the open dining area, a staircase leads down to a communal area with a small kitchenette. Then comes the wellness area with sauna and relaxation zone. Finally, the surf hall is reached, where the sails and surfboards are stored and repaired. The path opens alternately with its sides to the dunes. The openness of the design blurs inside and outside and creates a direct relationship with the surroundings.
