Kick-off in Brazil – GROHE plays its part in the final

GROHE water fittings installed in sanitary facilities of the world cup venue Maracana stadium
These days all eyes are on Brazil where the top footballers from 32 nations are battling it out for the world’s most coveted piece of football silverware. One of the focal points of attention will be Rio de Janeiro’s Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho, known around the world as “The Maracana”. Apart from numerous other exciting matches, it will host the event’s most important match on 13th July – the final. Predicting which two teams will be lining up on this day is still a matter for all sorts of oracles. However, one thing is for sure – Germany will be very much part of the action, given that the modernisation of the stadium included the installation of numerous water fittings from GROHE in the venue’s sanitary facilities.
Originally built for the 1950 World Cup, the Maracana is one of the world’s most famous football arenas. Back in those days, it boasted a capacity of 200,000 spectators – a record that remains unmatched to this day. The past six decades have seen the 144,000 sq.m. facility undergo various reconstruction and modernisation projects to align it with changing requirements. Today this national monument has morphed into an advanced multifunctional arena, which will not only serve as the main stadium for the World Cup. It will also host numerous competitions of the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics. Moreover, it is suitable for major events such as rock and pop concerts. Daniel Fernandes from São Paulo-based firm Fernandes Arquitetos Associados is the man responsible for the most recent redesign. He oversaw the modernisation of the stands, media areas and hospitality boxes. While the arena’s capacity has meanwhile been reduced to approximately 73,000 in the light of safety concerns and similar considerations, it remains a very large venue by global standards. Distinctive features include the new fibreglass tensioned membrane roof, which provides effective protection from the sun without blocking out too much daylight. While this sophisticated circular roof highlights the modern interior of the venue, the monumental facade has been retained to protect its historic status and traditions.
Superior comfort and efficient resource management The comprehensive refurbishment also included the sanitary facilities of the Estádio Municipal do Maracana where the planners specified GROHE WC flushing cisterns combinedwith stylish Skate Cosmopolitan wall plates in stainless steel. The dual flush design gives users a choice between a three-litre and a six-litre flush, and the start-stop function allows for further water savings in line with actual requirements. This way GROHE EcoJoy technology helps cut water consumption without compromising on comfort and functionality. The modern plate design blends discreetly and elegantly into the new ambiance created at this famous venue.

16