IKEA Karlsruhe 2019

The cranes in Durlacher Allee, near the Weinweg stop, stretch upwards and cannot be overlooked, indicating the construction of the central IKEA in Karlsruhe with the help of the construction board.

Following an initiative request from the Executive Board, fifteen IACES members were given an exclusive tour of the almost completed shell of the building in June 2019.

At the beginning, the site manager explained the special features of this IKEA location, which are mainly due to its inner-city location in the Karlsruhe earthquake zone and its previous use as a landfill site.
The comparatively small plot of land required a rethink: in order to ensure the largest possible sales area, the approx. 1,200 parking spaces required were spread over three parking levels.
It was also necessary to switch from the tried-and-tested construction method using predominantly prefabricated elements to in-situ concrete, which resulted in a longer construction period.

This was preceded by a lengthy investigation and preparation of the soil, based on stringent requirements due to the site's previous use as a landfill.
After the explosive ordnance probe proved negative, the contaminated sites were professionally disposed of and around 1,000 bored piles were driven into the ground. The 55cm-thick foundations were then concreted.

At the time of the tour, all floors were almost completed, so that we were able to take a look at everything and ask questions during the subsequent site inspection. In addition to the structural concept of the glazed entrance area, we were also amazed at the additional work required for the visually appealing sheet metal façade.

We were very pleased to see so many new IACES members and interested inquiries. When the time comes in summer 2020, we will be there for the opening of the IKEA and will walk through the store with a different perspective than most other visitors!