The 22 metre wide and 80 metre long, column-free hall was carefully adapted to its new use. The former soft chipboard floor inside was excavated and replaced with a cast-in-situ concrete slab. Underfloor heating and other supply lines were laid on top of this. The final layer of the floor is made of pitch pine planks. These not only cover the floor, but are also pulled upwards along the Jura limestone walls of the hall. A small homage to the hall's former use as a riding hall, where riding protection was once attached to the walls.
The historic roof construction lends the riding hall its special grandeur – and has been visibly preserved thanks to its good state of repair. However, a technical upgrade was necessary to meet today's requirements of a modern venue. Originally, tension rods were already integrated into the roof, but this was not sufficient for the new use: Additional tension rods were required.
The BESISTA® rod system was used here. Four solid heavy-duty beams now run through the entire length of the roof. The entire stage technology can be flexibly attached to them using chain hoists. The filigree BESISTA® tension rods, which are anchored directly to the historic roof truss, run crosswise. The combination of hot-dip galvanised steel, black support steel and the solid wood creates an exciting visual contrast – both technically functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The tension rods not only serve as structural reinforcement, but also as an elegant suspension for the industrial-style lighting, which emphasises the character of the hall. The new hall roof was placed on top of the existing exterior walls as additional roofing and takes on the functions of heat and sound insulation.
This careful refurbishment has resulted in a building that meets today's technical requirements without losing its historical lightness. The tension rods make a significant contribution to ensuring that the roof does not appear heavy or oppressive despite its new functions – but rather open, well thought-out and architecturally balanced.
The former riding hall in Aarau is a successful example of the creative conversion of historical buildings. With just a few interventions and flexible elements, a versatile space for cultural events has been created that respects and emphasises the original architecture. The indoor riding arena is thus a place where past and present, tradition and innovation, art and technology meet and enrich each other.
