EPDM Roofing Membrane Covers Concert Hall | Elevate EMEA

Elevate has a 40-year legacy of proven experience in roofing solutions that perform reliably and protect communities. Elevate's UltraPly TPO and RubberGard EPDM roofing membranes were used in the renovation of the Zénith de Strasbourg in France.

The Zénith, originally built in 2008, required renovations after 15 years of operation and hosting up to 12,000 people in each occasion. The Strasbourg Eurometropolis began renovation works on the arena in 2022, with a specific focus on repairing the roof. The bituminous waterproofing membrane of the roof had started to show its limitations.

© BRIDAULT SOLUTIONS

The roof of the Zénith is characterized by its structure, with a dome above the main concert hall and a ring on the periphery. Georges Fischer Architecte and OTE Ingenierie specified the use of EPDM roofing membranes on the dome and TPO for the ring. Elevate’s RubberGard EPDM and UltraPly TPO membranes were chosen for the project due to their outstanding durability. The project owner engaged Bridault Solutions roofing company to install 10,000 m² of RubberGard EPDM on the dome and 7,000 m² of UltraPly TPO on the ring. A peripheral gutter of approximately 50 cm wide allows both membranes to easily connect. In addition, 27 lighting vaults were replaced and 67 smoke extraction skylights were installed.

The RubberGard EPDM membrane, used on the dome, was fully adhered over the existing roofing system using a gluing cart. On the ringside, up to up over 3,000 m² of the existing bitumen and mineral wool insulation had to be torn up because their support was too damaged. The remaining 4,000 m² were covered directly with the UltraPly TPO membrane. The combination of both membranes provided an efficient result, allowing the original project's premises to be preserved while highlighting the two architectural signatures of the building.

© BRIDAULT SOLUTIONS

Bridault Solutions undertook the roofing works between August 2022 and March 2023. A crew of about 10 to 12 roofers worked on the site 6 days a week. As the Zénith had to remain open to host the various events, the company installed an access tower at a height of 40 m and a freight elevator to operate only outside without disturbing the heavy goods vehicles that were unloading and loading equipment needed for the concerts. On-site storage was also limited, so EPDM Solutions, an authorized distributor of Elevate products in the region, supplied the site gradually.

© BRIDAULT SOLUTIONS