Protection against graffiti
When graffiti becomes a problem
Graffiti on façades is a familiar problem for building owners and designers. This is especially true when a building is designed for a long service life, low maintenance costs, and durability appropriate to the materials used.
The extension to the Gerhard-Thielcke Secondary School in Radolfzell demonstrates how the choice of façade material can make all the difference in the event of damage.
The incident: Vandalism shortly after move-in
In 2020, the extension to the Gerhard-Thielcke-Realschule in Radolfzell, based on a passive house design, was completed. Gerhard P. Maier of the architectural practice Bauraum GmbH in Konstanz designed the building.
Less than half a year after the building was occupied, graffiti and permanent marker defaced parts of the façade in the entrance and gable areas, as well as exposed concrete surfaces inside.
Gerhard P. Maier recalls: “What looked like a silly prank turned out to be significant damage to property, which did more than just devalue the building.” At the same time, there was uncertainty as to whether the graffiti could be removed completely without damaging the material.
Choosing the right material makes all the difference
During the planning phase for the extension, a preliminary study assessed various façade options based on a 70-year service life. The team chose an energy-efficient, breathable, rear-ventilated façade using Trespa® Meteon® panels.
The team used the Tempered Grey NM06 decor in the matt finish from the Naturals collection.
Following the damage, no repainting of the affected areas was required. Nor was it necessary to replace individual panels.
Simple cleaning rather than costly refurbishment
David Hanses, then Area Manager for Facades and Balconies at Trespa Germany, recommended cleaning with acetone and water. He explained: “Acetone is found in many plants and is universally used as an organic solvent and cleaning agent.”
The school janitor carried out the cleaning in a single session lasting about five minutes. According to the company, the façade was restored to its original condition.
This video shows a simple practical test: graffiti on Trespa® Meteon® and fibre cement is cleaned using acetone. The before-and-after comparison illustrates how differently the two façade materials react to the cleaning process.
Cost-effective and helps maintain value
For the architectural practice, the incident confirmed the material properties of the HPL panels used. Gerhard P. Maier describes the result as “brilliant” and highlights the surface quality: “It is a sealed, virtually pore-free surface with high durability. But not all HPL panels can withstand this kind of cleaning.”
From a design perspective, the material choice proved not only technically sound but also economically viable.
Whilst removing the graffiti from the exposed concrete required considerable effort, the costs associated with the HPL façade were essentially limited to the cleaning agent. According to the architect, the town of Radolfzell was therefore able to refrain from pressing charges and claiming damages.
A sign of appreciation and resource conservation
Beyond the purely technical and economic impact, the complete removal of the graffiti also carried symbolic significance. Maier puts it this way: "This must discourage the perpetrators and send them a clear signal that sets boundaries."
The school building is thus also seen as a place where respect and resource conservation are conveyed not only through the educational approach, but also through the choice of materials and the architectural design.
Construction notice
Project: Extension to the Gerhard-Thielcke Secondary School, Radolfzell
Client: Town of Radolfzell
Design / Site management: Gerhard P. Maier and Julia Bierbach, Bauraum GmbH, Konstanz
Construction period: April 2019 to December 2020
Facade: VHF with Trespa® Meteon®, finish: Tempered Grey NM06, matt surface, Naturals collection
Facade installation: Zimmerei Martin, Eigeltingen
Further links
Trespa® Meteon® Product Overview
Trespa® Meteon® Naturals Collection
Cleaning and maintenance of Trespa façades
Technical documentation on Trespa.info
Contact and advice
