From historic roundhouse to a hub of the future
TECE steckt im ausgezeichneten Coppenrath Innovation Centre
Lower Saxony’s Minister President Stefan Weil once described the construction site at the historic Ringlokschuppen in Osnabrück as “one of the most exciting projects in Germany” — and not without reason. Built in 1914 as a shelter for two turntables and 34 locomotives, the structure is now being transformed into a centre of the future, soon home to 18 research institutions. Within this remarkable historic setting, the Coppenrath Innovation Centre (CIC) has emerged as a flagship project.
At this new research location, everything will revolve around the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fields of agriculture and health. To make this possible, the former industrial monument has undergone extensive renovation and modernisation. Following its conversion, around 300 employees will be able to work here — at the heart of the new Lok-Viertel district, just steps away from the central station.
TECE is also represented within the CIC. The decision was made in favour of TECEprofil installation walls and flushing technology, the TECEfloor underfloor heating system, as well as matt white flush plates — specifically the TECEfilo Solid urinal flush plate with electronic activation and the TECEsolid model. A further special detail: TECE engraved the CIC logo onto the flush plates, transforming them into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Awarded the Lower Saxony State Prize for Architecture
For the realisation of the CIC, the Münster-based architecture firm Kresings — together with their client, Ringlokschuppen Osnabrück GmbH — was awarded the Lower Saxony State Prize for Architecture in Hanover at the end of October 2024. The jury highlighted that the Coppenrath Innovation Centre impresses with its well-balanced and functional interplay between building envelope, interior spaces, and open areas. The State Prize is the highest architectural award in Lower Saxony and is presented by the state in cooperation with the Chamber of Architects of Lower Saxony.
Looking back: the conditions were demanding. With no existing planning documents available, the design team had to rebuild all documentation from scratch. Adding to the challenge was a vacancy period of nearly 20 years before the Aloys & Brigitte Coppenrath Foundation purchased the old Ringlokschuppen in 2019. Together with the City of Osnabrück, the foundation established Ringlokschuppen Osnabrück GmbH, which developed a sustainable and forward-looking utilisation concept for the listed structure.
In total, the investment volume of the city and foundation amounted to €37 million, with a further €6 million provided by the federal government under the “NPS – National Urban Development Projects” programme, which supports initiatives with exceptional national or international visibility and high innovative potential. “It is an incredibly exciting challenge to transform this semi-circular building into an innovation centre,” noted the Kresings team. The core structure of the Ringlokschuppen was preserved, and renovation work on the 8,000 m² building began in autumn 2020 and was completed in 2024.
Image: HGEsch Photography
Image: HGEsch Photography
After three years of construction, the building has completely transformed. In several phases, the former roundhouse has been reshaped step by step. Today, 9,000 square metres of office space offer a new professional home to 300 employees. Inside, the architects make full use of the vast interior: two-storey timber modules in the taller central section and single-storey modules along the lower perimeter ensure a modular and flexible layout, used primarily as office space. Generous communal areas inside invite people to pause, meet, and linger.
TECE products installed in sanitary rooms and flooring
Design flexibility was also a key criterion in the sanitary areas. For this reason, the decision-makers opted for TECEprofil installation walls and flushing technology in the bathrooms. The system offers extensive design freedom and thus supports the core conceptual vision. Pipework can be routed within the prewalls, and all installation technology is neatly integrated within the system.
In the toilet areas, the interface to the user is shaped by matt white TECEsolid WC flush plates and the electronic TECEfilo Solid urinal controls. Both product series were developed specifically for public and semi-public sanitary spaces. They impress with minimalist elegance and their ultra-flat wall projection. The TECEsolid flush plate, projecting only six millimetres from the wall, is manufactured in a robust sandwich construction: a two-millimetre metal front protects the plastic support frame — an important feature in areas with high user frequency. For additional protection, the plate can be mounted with concealed screws to prevent theft. Rubber dampers beneath the buttons reliably prevent rattling sounds during activation and ensure a pleasant tactile response.
The TECEfloor radiant surface heating system in the CIC ensures a comfortable indoor climate even in the hall-like spatial volumes, thanks to its high radiant heat share. When required in summer, the system can also be operated in surface cooling mode.
Image: TECE
Image: TECE