The shopping center in Ingolstadt is decorated with a PREFA facade panel in scale design

“WestPark” in Ingolstadt is not only one of the largest shopping centers in southern Germany but is also among the most architecturally impressive. This is primarily due to the impressive lighting effects on the “scaly” facade of PREFA.

With nearly 130,000 residents and a catchment area of half a million people, Ingolstadt is the second largest city in Upper Bavaria after Munich. Ingolstadt is also considered the fastest-growing city in Germany, with the lowest unemployment rate. This creates ideal conditions for large shopping centers, such as “WestPark” on the western outskirts of the city. The shopping center, based on an American model, opened its doors in 1996. An extension of 22,500 m2 was completed after 18 months of construction in March 2012. Under one roof, there are 145 stores, a multiplex cinema, its own gas station including a car wash, 3,300 free parking spaces, a play area for children, a concert hall, a brewery, and much more. Each year, more than six million people visit the center.

Facade with Impressive Lighting Effects
Just as in the case of the construction of “WestPark” at the turn of the millennium, the planning of the extension, which increased the shopping center by a third of its area, was entrusted to the architectural firm Helmut und Klaus Stich. “This project has no competition due to its unique architectural features. Within WestPark, a small American-style town was built, where the lighting effects of the facade, including installed light sources, amaze visitors to the center and passersby,” explains architect Harald Noe.

The Main Advantages of the Facade: Appearance and Longevity
The well-lit interior was designed on a large scale and extends beyond the previous eight-meter-wide corridors lined with marble. When it came to selecting facade materials during the design phase, the investor chose PREFA products. “During the initial talks, we provided the architectural firm with samples of our products so they could quickly grasp the possibilities of PREFA facade elements,” describes Roland Gentner, a consultant for PREFA. “Two things were decisive: The investors wanted an optically interesting and unconventional material with a long lifespan and, whenever possible, maintenance-free. The decision fell on PREFA small-format roof and facade shingles with a 40-year material warranty,” adds Gentner. Architect Noe continues: “The broad possibilities for creative use of PREFA components clearly appealed to us. The shingles leave an impressive optical effect on the finished structure, perfectly adapting to the lighting effects on the facade. “WestPark” changes its appearance depending on the viewing angle.”

From Planning to Implementation
The implementation of the facade was worked on by the architectural firm for 24 months. “Unfortunately, we received less time than we needed. But every architect knows that situation,” Noe says with an ironic tone. Due to fire safety regulations and ventilation standards, the greatest emphasis was placed on the substructure. “Typically, shingles are attached to a wooden framework. Due to fire safety measures, we could not use this option on a public building. The architects ultimately chose to use trapezoidal sheets for the substructure, onto which the shingles were fastened,” describes Gentner.

Light Roof and Facade Shingles
On the 1000 m2 facade area of the extension, PREFA roof and facade shingles in silver metallic were used. The shingles, measuring 420 x 240 mm with a thickness of 0.7 mm, not only offer creative installation possibilities and longevity but also have the advantage of being lightweight. Compared to conventional facade materials, the weight of a PREFA panel is twelve times less. “The significant weight savings also played an important role. Overall, the project's implementation with the roofing company Bauabdichtung Gaimersheim GmbH went very well. The assembly system from PREFA is straightforward, allowing for easy progress. The processing of edges and corners went smoothly. Work in cold weather also presented no problems,” says architect Noe.

The Builder’s Perspective
“The arguments, in the form of longevity, warranty, and appearance, helped the builder decide on PREFA roof and facade shingles. From the very beginning of planning, we had access to samples of PREFA products. Based on that, we were able to navigate well, and the assembly by the roofing company went smoothly. Working in cold weather was also not an issue. When I think about it, the creative possibilities of this product are remarkable. The finished object amazes visitors and passersby alike, as the view from different positions varies due to the scaly appearance of the facade,” adds Harald Noe, Architectural Office Helmut und Klaus Stich.



Construction Details:
Location:    Ingolstadt, Germany - http://www.westpark-center.de
Operator:    Westpark Einkaufszentrum Verwaltungs-GmbH
Construction Duration:    18 months
Completion:    March 29, 2012
Area:    facade area 1000 m2 - PREFA Roof and Facade Shingles
Architect:    Architectural Office Helmut und Klaus Stich
Assembly Company:    Bauabdichtung Gaimersheim GmbH

Product Range of PREFA Roof and Facade Shingles:
Brief Description: The time-tested rhomboidal shape of PREFA roof and facade shingles combines perfectly with the properties of high-tech material - aluminum. This makes them an ideal covering material for older buildings. In addition to classic roof constructions, shingles can also cover objects with modern designs. The wide range of colors allows for individualization of any object. The necessary strength and leak protection are provided by the seams on all lateral and longitudinal sides. This creates a safe and wind-resistant connection. Each shingle is secured with a special stainless steel attachment.
Material: panels made of colored alloyed aluminum with a thickness of 0.7 mm, double baked enamel coating (range of 8 standard colors)
Dimensions: 420 x 240 mm, thickness 0.7 mm
Weight: 1 m2 = approx. 2.3 kg (10 shingles)
Installation: on full battens, min 24 mm
Surface Treatment: stucco
Colors: besides standard colors, special colors like natural aluminum, zinc, and copper upon request, including smooth finish
Warranty: 40 years