Hyundai Research and Development Centre

Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre (HMETC) has established a new state-of-the-art research and development centre in Rüsselsheim. The ‘Square Campus’ represents a significant expansion of the South Korean group’s research and development capacities.

The 25,000 m² facility houses the company's largest NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) test bench to date, along with chassis and powertrain test benches.

The building complex uses environmentally friendly materials, photovoltaic modules and heat pump systems, while also offering employees a modern working environment.

Scope of Work

FRENER & REIFER was commissioned with the design-engineering, fabrication and installation of the building envelope:

• 8,200 m² ventilated sheet metal facade (smooth sheet metal + expanded metal)
• 1,660 m² double facade: thermal unitised glass facade and exterior impact screens
• 1,700 m² parapet cladding
• 370 m² stick system facade
• 2 x approx. 60 m² aluminium canopies
• 42 roof skylights in 1x1 m format
• Two-part fold/slide blinds, as aluminium constructions with expanded metal filling
• Window, door systems and fixed glazing
• Sun protection systems
• Balustrades

Innovations / Challenges

• Very short project duration: Only approx. 17 months from development phase to final acceptance
• Customised design, double facade: Unitised facade developed and tested as a custom design with a high degree of unit prefabrication; the very tight schedule required rapid completion of the on-site installation.
• Custom-made curved elements: Corner elements for the double and sheet metal facade, gatehouse, pavilion with round window elements including round sun protection
• Bird protection for glass facades: Use of highly effective bird protection glass