Architecture / urban planning
Harter + Kanzler & Partner Architekten PartGmbB, Freiburg
Client
EWS-Elektrizitätswerke Schönau eG, Jörg Wagner
Completion date
2020
Awards
Bauwerk Schwarzwald e.V. Architecture Route 2022, Hugo Häring Prize 2021
Task
In 1994, opponents of nuclear and coal-fired power founded EWS Elektrizitätswerke Schönau GmbH - the nucleus of what is now Baden-Württemberg's largest energy cooperative. Within a short space of time, the "electricity rebels" relocated to the centre of solar power generation in Germany. In order to create more space for the steadily growing number of employees, an architectural competition was organised in 2016.
Design
The EWS wanted a company extension built from the local, ecological raw material wood in accordance with the strict DGNB criteria. The building, which currently houses around 65 employees, is the first of two construction phases, which, as multi-storey timber hybrid buildings, form a balanced urban ensemble together with the existing buildings.
The basement and ground floor were constructed as a reinforced concrete structure in exposed concrete quality. The ground floor houses publicly used rooms such as the large canteen.
The building also serves as a cultural centre for the citizens of Schönau. Above this, three flexibly usable office floors are stacked as "three floors" with external work areas and a supply zone in the centre. It accommodates meeting points, tea kitchens and a green inner courtyard. The spacious staircase hall connects all areas and creates additional communication spaces.
Material and construction
The upper floors are built as a pure timber construction on the "reinforced concrete table" and dock onto the solid, stiffening cores of the emergency staircase and the lift tower. Exterior and interior walls were constructed from cross-laminated timber elements with a timber face on one side. As a reminiscence of the roofs of the old factory buildings on the site, "shed roofs" were placed on the three floor plan zones, on which the photovoltaic system is integrated into the design. The office access is located in the "glass joints" in between.
Sustainability / energy concept
The entire energy supply is provided exclusively by the company's own local heating supply. The power supply is ensured by the company's own PV systems.
Bottom line
A flexibly usable building at the Schönau site. Large-scale utilisation and small cell divisions are possible thanks to the chosen grid structure. Construction materials are visible and have been installed ready for use. The logic of the construction, the load-bearing structure and the material develops from the shape of the building and its utilisation. Low-emission building products and materials were used.
