Humboldt Forum
at the Berlin Palace
As a hub of culture and science, the Universal Museum on Spree Island showcases events and exhibitions in an impressive setting. However, it's not only the exhibits within the reconstructed residence that lure visitors to the historic centre of Berlin; the outdoor area on the roof of the new multi-storey building, which opened in October 2021, is also a significant attraction. To accommodate the influx of visitors, the accessible flat roof structure was constructed using the FOAMGLAS® Compact Roof system. This insulating material, made of cellular glass, boasts high compressive strength and consistent thermal protection, thereby contributing to the longevity of the entire roof structure.
The homogeneous structure comprises an insulating layer of FOAMGLAS® panels, uniformly adhered over the entire surface with hot bitumen. Given the insulation material's inherent waterproof and vapour-tight qualities, there was no necessity to install a separate vapour barrier. This system thus facilitates a cavity-free, compact design for the entire insulation layer structure, ensuring optimal wind suction resistance and planning safety. The underflow-resistant layer of FOAMGLAS® panels, each measuring 600 x 450 mm, was then secured with a high-quality, two-layer sealant.
Apart from being sustainable and rot-resistant, this insulation material offers another significant advantage: its hermetic cell structure allows for heat retention, thus positively influencing the building's energy efficiency. Moreover, these mineral FOAMGLAS® panels are non-combustible, meeting the stringent fire protection standards of public edifices as they are classified as A1 building material according to EN 13501. Consequently, FOAMGLAS® upholds the high fire safety standards required for public buildings.
Read more about the project in our Project Info (in German).
