Snøhetta wins competition for cable car stations in Koblenz

Since 2011, a cable car has connected the city centre of Koblenz with Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the other side of the Rhine. Originally planned as a temporary structure for the Federal Horticultural Show, the intention has since become to operate the popular, environmentally friendly means of transport on a permanent basis. The location in a sensitive historical context and technical requirements made a redesign of the stations necessary. In the architectural competition organised by the cable car operator, Snøhetta won with the proposal of sculptural forms for the valley and mountain stations, which form a “cohesive pair” and react sensitively to the respective context.

The valley station is located in the vicinity of the listed Basilica of St Castor. The gently curved shape pays homage to the historic basilica and reinterprets the city's architectural heritage and motifs. “The design shows restraint within the World Heritage Site without losing any of its architectural significance,” the jury stated. “The elegant roof shape creates a design reference to the St Castor Church.”

The metal roof shell is supported by a wooden structure resting on V-shaped concrete columns. The metal shingles of the roof are inspired by traditional façade and roof motifs of the city, while the gently sculpted concrete columns are reminiscent of the vaulted stonework of the church and traditional masonry along the river. The subtle green colours and the glossiness of the metal cladding continue the reflections and play of light and shadow along the river and the tree-lined riverbank. The curved shape of the station reinforces this subtle effect. The open space at the station is integrated into the landscape of the Rhine promenade.

A common, gently chamfered metal roof also covers the technical facilities of the mountain station. Stoic, robust forms create a link to the Ehrenbreitstein fortress. Slender columns support the wooden construction with metal cladding, whose warmer colours refer to the earthy tones of the fortress walls. A “flying” roof in front of the station spans the kiosk, ticket office and technical rooms, integrates an existing tree and creates a sheltered waiting area. The station and the cantilevered canopy emphasise the clear horizontality of the historic landscape in front of the fortress. As with the bottom station, the entire technical installations of the cable car will be retained in the top station and supplemented with facilities for the permanent operation.

“The cultural landscape and identity of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley are characterised by centuries of human intervention. The new stations are part of this natural and cultural context and with our design we continue the dialogue with the significant cultural landscape of Koblenz,” says Patrick Lüth, Snøhetta Partner and Managing Director of the Innsbruck studio.

Collaborators: sbp schlaich bergermann partner (structural engineer, façade & cost)

All images by Snøhetta