The German Environment Agency researches and works on drinking water as well as swimming and bathing pool water at its site in Bad Elster. One of its tasks is to keep the scientific basis and standards for a safe drinking water supply and good water quality up to date and develop them further.
In view of the increased personnel requirements and higher demands on building, safety and research standards, a new building on a different site is planned, as this represents the most economical and practical solution according to the preliminary investigations carried out. This is to be constructed on the site of the current building yard of the Saxon state baths on Bahnhofstrasse on the outskirts of Bad Elster. A relocation within Bad Elster is planned for 2030/31.
Sustainable and energy-efficient construction
In order to emphasise the exemplary role of the federal government and the German Environment Agency, the following goals were defined for the new laboratory and office building as a pilot and demonstration project for environmentally friendly, sustainable and energy-efficient construction:
- Certification in accordance with the Assessment System for Sustainable Building (BNB) at the highest quality level Gold for buildings and outdoor facilities
- PlusEnergy house (positive annual energy balance) with the pillars of comfort, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness
- Greenhouse gas-neutral property and building operation depending on the building shell and the selected energy sources
- Implementation of the guidelines for barrier-free building
- Application of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) planning method
- In terms of building materials, a completely pollutant-free building is being designed using the largest possible proportion of renewable raw materials and recycled materials.
As a result of the competition mentioned above, 15 offices were authorised to take part in the competition. A total of 14 competition entries were submitted.
A nine-member expert jury consisting of qualified specialist planners, professors, representatives of the BImA , the President of the UBA and the mayors of the towns of Bad Elster and Adorf met in Chemnitz. The jury, chaired by Prof Markus Hammes (architect, Stuttgart), selected two prize winners from the 14 high-quality entries and awarded two commendations:
- Prize:
F+P Architekten ZT GmbH, Vienna
- Prize:
Burckhardt Germany GmbH, Berlin
Commendation:
Henn GmbH, Berlin
Commendation:
BHBVT Gesellschaft von Architekten mbH, Berlin
Description of the winning design
The rectangular, compact structure with a generously proportioned inner courtyard is strikingly structured at its outer edges by building recesses and distinctively designed facade greenery. All four facades are treated equally and set the building at the entrance to Bad Elster against the striking landscape backdrop with a clear design language that does justice to the public use and the importance of the building as a research facility. The roof elevation, which is clearly visible from the surrounding landscape, is consistently designed as a fifth facade with roof greenery and PV modules without any spatially impactful technical building structures.
The designers have succeeded in integrating aspects of sustainability, such as the theme of greening the facade, energy generation via vertical PV modules and variable sun and glare protection, into the consistent design theme of the facades. This is not applied schematically, but implemented in a differentiated way so that, for example, the main entrance facing the forecourt stands out in a recognisable way and thus creates a good impression of the house's appearance.
The windmill-like organisation of four wings of the building around four stairwells enables very good orientation in the building, a logical networking of the individual areas and clear evacuation routes thanks to an efficient, ring-shaped layout. Thus, in terms of sustainability, the basic structure of the building is neutral in terms of use and fulfils the requirements for laboratory and office use very well. The chosen building typology also enables a high degree of flexibility and adato future requirements and creates a basis for a future-orientated and pleasant working atmosphere with well-placed communication zones.
Exhibition of the competition entries
The 14 works submitted as part of the competition will be on display at UBA's current location at Heinrich-Heine-Str. 12 until 15 January 2025 and can be viewed Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The exhibition will conclude on 15 January 2025 from 4 p.m. with a public consultation at the current UBA site, to which all interested parties are cordially invited.
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