The glazed façade of the new flagship store of the largest German retail group, Galeria Kaufhof in Chemnitz, is a symbol of innovative engineering. Like a stage facing the city centre, the Murphy & Jahn-designed building occupies the western side of the historic Neumarkt, with its 5-storey glazed façade impressively reflecting neighbouring buildings. The highly transparent façade also allows an insight into the multi-faceted interior of the department store.

The 7,400m2 main façade is formed from 2m x 4m insulated glass panels clamped to a supporting structure of tension rods, with such serving to transfer all loadings to Seele-engineered beams at the head of the façade. The main entrance façade spans 18 m, and is supported by 3 No 6m long horizontal glazed fins. A similar support structure, employing vertical steel fins, is utilised for the cladding system to the project’s 4 stair-cores. Seele also provided internal glazed cladding and flooring systems within the main entrance area.

Architect: Murphy/Jahn Inc. Architects, Chicago