The rebuilding of a disused ice rink in Schierke, Germany has officially started, with architecture studio GRAFT transforming the site into a multi-use sports arena with a unique roof structure.

The Nature Rink, located at the foot of the snow-topped Harz Mountains, is one of the country’s oldest natural ice stadiums. It is being renovated at a cost of more than €7m (US$7.7m, £5.8m) enabling it to host ice sports on a new artificial rink, as well as concerts and plays throughout the year.

GRAFT won a European architecture competition to win the project in 2013 after impressing the jury with their plan to construct a twisting 2,400sq m (26,000sq ft) roof anchored at just two points.

The roof will protect the space from rain, snow and sunlight, while still revealing the view of the surrounding mountains and sky. Developed in collaboration with engineering firm Schlaich Bergermann Partner, it will allow natural light to travel through a PTFE membrane.

Two new buildings on either side of the rink will act as the foundation blocks for the roof, creating a visually integrated structure. They will house the venue’s administration facilities, changing rooms and a restaurant.

The rink’s existing natural stone terraces and a listed wooden referee tower will be retained and incorporated into the new design.

Construction will be finished by December 2017. Once open, the arena will have a capacity for up to 4,900 spectators.