FUTURIUM From the Berlin S-Bahn heading toward the city centre, the shimmering façade of this modern event and museum building breaks through the urban monotony. Inside, the towering black exposed-concrete walls push each exhibition into the spotlight.

According to the architects’ design concept, construction traces such as tie holes and formwork joints were intentionally meant to remain visible on the anthracite-coloured concrete walls without disrupting the overall uniform appearance. While the initial formwork result met expectations, it could not withstand the harsh conditions of the construction environment. Unpredictable, streaky lime efflorescence appeared on the exposed concrete, compromising the visual quality of the surfaces. Out of concern that the natural narrative of the concrete would be lost, the architects, Richter Musikowski, initially rejected any colour application. The cleaning works commissioned by the builder delivered only partial improvement.

We therefore developed a concept that preserved the intended appearance while still making use of a glaze treatment. The architects were ultimately convinced by our samples, and we then treated 4,000 m² of exposed concrete to achieve a cohesive and consistent surface. With a thin glaze application and targeted retouching, we were able to calm the overall visual impression of the walls while maintaining all tactile and visual traces — and thus the full story the freshly stripped concrete was meant to tell.

But it wasn’t just the result that convinced the architects: “What positively surprised us was that SB5ÜNF, despite coming into the chain of engagement quite late, took on such an emotionally important role,” said Christoph Richter about the collaboration on the Futurium.

An exciting project that, with its vast surface area, opened up entirely new opportunities for growth for us.