DFB Campus, Frankfurt

Connecting Architecture

The architecture firm kadawittfeldarchitektur designed the impressive complex as a place for meeting and exchange. Since no separate buildings with open spaces were planned, but rather the sports areas are integral parts of the overall design, continuous connections are created between indoors and outdoors, between sports areas and built spaces. The entire spatial program is housed under an overarching roof, which creates the impression of a sky and supports the concept of flowing indoor and outdoor spaces, like in a small city.

A north-south boulevard connects all areas. Fully glazed, it provides orientation and creates a communication space with high quality for staying. In the south, there is the main entrance, the administration building, the press area, and large meeting rooms. In the north, the boulevard opens to the sports area with the DFB Academy, organized into the areas of “Education,” “National Teams,” and “Development and Innovation,” bringing together experts in psychology, medicine, technology, sports, and communication. On the ground floor is the sports foyer with its inset courtyards. From here, one can access the medical clinic, rooms for physiotherapy, wellness, fitness, changing areas, and the TechLab.

Modern Work and Sports Environments

“Diversity in Unity” is the theme of the interior design concept. In the administration area, warm colors and high-quality materials create a pleasant working atmosphere, while in the sports areas, color accents and dynamic surfaces bring movement. Slanted walls in different materials and colors direct the gaze, while above, a folded ceiling with triangular shapes unifies the space. The continuous floor levels also act as guiding elements that shape the building inside and out.

In line with the interior design’s color and design concept, the Hudson series by Villeroy & Boch tiles was used as an aesthetic and functional floor covering in the fitness and wellness area of the DFB’s new building. In the light, subtly shaded “white sand” color, the ceramic tiles with their calm stone structure, designed as a gentle relief, frame the pool areas harmoniously—with a spacious, low-joint appearance in the 60 x 60 cm format and slip-resistant with R10 slip resistance.

Timeless and Functional Tile Concept

The Hudson tile series by Villeroy & Boch is suitable for restrained surface designs in modern architecture with its natural and timeless look. With seven coordinated colors from the cool gray and warm beige spectrum, eight formats, slip resistances from R9 to R11/C, and the easy-to-clean ceramic surface protection VilbostonePlus, the unglazed VilboStone porcelain stoneware provides planners with great design freedom for private, public, and semi-public applications where a durable, low-maintenance, and functional covering with appealing aesthetics is required.

In the kitchen areas, robust GRANIFLOOR floor tiles have been installed, which are now part of the comprehensive architectural concept PRO ARCHITECTURA 3.0. Made from through-colored VilboStone porcelain stoneware, they feature a universal granite design, a variety of formats, and an extensive range of trim parts, making them the ideal flooring for demanding workspaces.