Strengthening community spirit: a new place for social participation at 'Tafel Duisburg'

The fundraising project for the new Duisburg food bank building shows how architecture can take on social responsibility. Simple, sustainable and humane: the new building combines the idea of ‘simple construction’ with high design quality – for the benefit of people who depend on support and those who work for them every day.

Around 5,000 people in Duisburg depend on the regular services offered by the ‘Tafel Duisburg', which is an important source of supplies and a meeting place in their everyday lives. The new property now offers more modern processes, more space and, above all, dignity in everyday life. The social construction project was developed by the architectural firm Druschke Architektur as a wooden modular construction that saves costs, time and resources without neglecting architectural standards.

A building emission value of only seven kg/CO2, wood as a material, a green roof, a photovoltaic system and an air-water heat pump underline the sustainability philosophy of the property, which was officially presented at the end of June on ‘Architecture Day 2025’ as an exciting architectural project in public welfare construction.

Wood meets heart: sustainable modular construction for rapid social benefit

The design is based on prefabricated modules in timber panel construction, which enable a short construction time, minimal impact on the environment and high energy efficiency. The rooms are clearly organised into storage areas, refrigerated zones, distribution areas, offices and lounges for the many volunteers. Large windows ensure transparency and an open, friendly atmosphere.

Above all, however, the new building shows what is possible when architecture serves a social purpose and what joint efforts can achieve: After the Duisburg food bank burned down in December 2018, managing director Günter Spikofski and the architectural firm put their heads together and, after initial setbacks due to Corona, exploding construction costs and supply chain problems, ultimately achieved such a surprisingly high amount of donations by the end of 2022 that the new building on the old site was within reach.

objectflor provides support where it counts: EXPONA COMMERCIAL as a strong foundation for commitment

Every day, the food bank is a hive of activity: goods receipt, sorting, distribution – many steps, many people, a lot of wear and tear on the floor. objectflor therefore contributed the perfect design floor with EXPONA COMMERCIAL. The modern concrete look of Grey Micro Terrazzo 5124 perfectly complements the clear, minimalist architecture and emphasises the contemporary aesthetics of the modular timber construction. Robust, easy to maintain, durable – and visually calm – exactly what a place where people should feel welcome needs. At the same time, the resilient vinyl flooring meets high standards of safety, hygiene and acoustics.

‘A floor that bears hundreds of footsteps every day and still maintains a friendly atmosphere – that fits in with the attitude of the project: pragmatic, but with heart,’ says Dieter Overkamp, Managing Director Sales of objectflor.

Thanks to its environmentally friendly product design, EXPONA COMMERCIAL fits seamlessly into the overall sustainable concept.

©Photos: Ralph Richter