Striking the right note

A concrete-look finish blends history and modernity

The Dortmund Choir Academy’s boys’ choir is enjoying an international career and has found a new home in the Ruhr region: a former brickworks that has been extended and converted. The flooring from objectflor forms part of the design concept, linking the historic building fabric with the newly constructed sections.

Where bricks were once fired, the Dortmund Choir Academy’s boys’ choir now rehearses. Moving into the new premises brought an end to a long period of temporary arrangements. Thanks to sponsorship, the so-called TONwerk was created, featuring rehearsal rooms for the choir and soloists, a small concert hall, and spaces for play and relaxation.

The architectural practice Hilker + Jochheim placed the historic boiler house of an old brickworks at the heart of the TONwerk. The brick building now serves as a foyer and lounge area and is complemented by two new structures. Particularly striking are the twelve-metre-high ceilings and the view of the building’s exposed timber framework.

Concrete-effect finish as a unifying design element

To create a design link between the historic part of the building and the new structures, the architects chose the ‘Cool Grey Concrete’ concrete-look flooring from objectflor’s EXPONA COMMERCIAL collection.

The flooring echoes the industrial character of the former brickworks whilst blending seamlessly into the light and modern design of the new buildings. The grain size and the irregular distribution of the material particles enhance the concrete look.

Furthermore, the vinyl flooring offers product-specific properties such as Class R10 slip resistance, as well as easy cleaning and maintenance. The 0.55 mm wear layer is appropriate for the intended use and ensures the flooring is suitable for areas subject to heavy footfall.

Photographer: TÖLLE STUDIOS GMBH, Iserlohn