architectural concept
context with existing structures
the architecture and presence of the existing power plant and its operational building by architect hörmann are impressively notable in a positive sense. the new control center, to be built in immediate proximity, cannot compete in scale due to the required volume, but it should nonetheless demonstrate a respectful approach toward the existing building.
organization
based on the desired security requirements, the highly sensitive areas of the building are distanced from the terrain, gaining additional protection through the vertical separation from the entrance level. the entrance floor is designed to be clear and reduced to an easily controllable area, providing subtle, almost imperceptible protection against unauthorized access. the technical area has direct access and delivery at the level of the parking area. the system rooms kwb 1 and 2 are supplied from the upper street level. their position directly beneath the control center and above the hvac and uvs technical rooms is ideal for efficient routing of utilities. all technical areas with façades are protected by the required security distance. for underground, façade-free areas, this security distance is not necessary. this organization and siting of the control center on the plot make relocation of the existing street unnecessary.
control center
the control center is oriented to the north to ensure glare-free light for the workstations. views from the work areas are directed toward the larcherboden pilgrimage church on the opposite mieminger plateau. all additional work areas in the control center are oriented north for the same reason. circulation within the two functional wings is widened to create relaxation and communication zones with visual connection to the power plant. a roof terrace provides staff with outdoor short-break spaces without leaving the building or the secured area.
visitor center
extending the axis of power plant → control center, the visitor center is positioned along the access road, with visual connections both to the control center and the emerging power plant behind it, as well as to the north toward the mountain range. the roof floats slightly above the meadow, referencing the width of the turbine hall and the control center. the cinema is designed as a multifunctional space to accommodate larger events. beneath the extended roof, visitors and cyclists can stay protected.
context with existing structures
the architecture and presence of the existing power plant and its operational building by architect hörmann are impressively notable in a positive sense. the new control center, to be built in immediate proximity, cannot compete in scale due to the required volume, but it should nonetheless demonstrate a respectful approach toward the existing building.
organization
based on the desired security requirements, the highly sensitive areas of the building are distanced from the terrain, gaining additional protection through the vertical separation from the entrance level. the entrance floor is designed to be clear and reduced to an easily controllable area, providing subtle, almost imperceptible protection against unauthorized access. the technical area has direct access and delivery at the level of the parking area. the system rooms kwb 1 and 2 are supplied from the upper street level. their position directly beneath the control center and above the hvac and uvs technical rooms is ideal for efficient routing of utilities. all technical areas with façades are protected by the required security distance. for underground, façade-free areas, this security distance is not necessary. this organization and siting of the control center on the plot make relocation of the existing street unnecessary.
control center
the control center is oriented to the north to ensure glare-free light for the workstations. views from the work areas are directed toward the larcherboden pilgrimage church on the opposite mieminger plateau. all additional work areas in the control center are oriented north for the same reason. circulation within the two functional wings is widened to create relaxation and communication zones with visual connection to the power plant. a roof terrace provides staff with outdoor short-break spaces without leaving the building or the secured area.
visitor center
extending the axis of power plant → control center, the visitor center is positioned along the access road, with visual connections both to the control center and the emerging power plant behind it, as well as to the north toward the mountain range. the roof floats slightly above the meadow, referencing the width of the turbine hall and the control center. the cinema is designed as a multifunctional space to accommodate larger events. beneath the extended roof, visitors and cyclists can stay protected.
landscape interventions
the connecting axis between power plant → control center → visitor center is subtly emphasized by a temporary summer landscape intervention. the meadow between the control center and visitor center is structured with narrow mowing strips, intersected by the reflection of overhead cables. the control center appears to float above a shallow water basin, which selectively allows access to the security area and emphasizes the required distance. synchronized with turbine operation in the power plant, water gently flows into the basin and cascades over the exterior walls. water, the source of energy generation, is theatrically staged.
measures against summer overheating
the planning concept relies exclusively on passive cooling measures. the building’s form and orientation are designed to minimize the need for active sun protection. only the narrow east and west façades are equipped with effective, adjustable shading.
optimization and use of thermal mass
the reinforced concrete walls and ceilings are used as thermal mass inside the building. for optimal utilization, suspended ceilings and wall paneling are omitted. acoustic cooling and heating panels suspended from the raw ceiling are executed without side skirts to ensure air circulation.
night cooling via ventilation systems
at night, if outdoor temperatures allow, skylights can open automatically, and exhaust systems can operate at higher speed and air volume. this removes warm air from the building and introduces cooler outside air, cooling the thermal mass for preconditioning the building for the next day.
direct use of geothermal energy via ground probes
up to 100 m deep ground probes transfer cooling energy to the brine circuit of the embedded pipe system. the cooled water supplies the ventilation system’s cooling coils and ceiling panels. in winter, the ground probe system preheats incoming ventilation air, reducing district heating demand, increasing overall efficiency of heat recovery, and regenerating the ground for the next cooling season. ground probes are hygienic, easy to control, and cost-effective in operation and maintenance, compared to air-based collectors or adiabatic systems. the ground probe system can also provide room cooling through ceiling panels even when the room ventilation system is switched off, for example during late spring months.
the connecting axis between power plant → control center → visitor center is subtly emphasized by a temporary summer landscape intervention. the meadow between the control center and visitor center is structured with narrow mowing strips, intersected by the reflection of overhead cables. the control center appears to float above a shallow water basin, which selectively allows access to the security area and emphasizes the required distance. synchronized with turbine operation in the power plant, water gently flows into the basin and cascades over the exterior walls. water, the source of energy generation, is theatrically staged.
measures against summer overheating
the planning concept relies exclusively on passive cooling measures. the building’s form and orientation are designed to minimize the need for active sun protection. only the narrow east and west façades are equipped with effective, adjustable shading.
optimization and use of thermal mass
the reinforced concrete walls and ceilings are used as thermal mass inside the building. for optimal utilization, suspended ceilings and wall paneling are omitted. acoustic cooling and heating panels suspended from the raw ceiling are executed without side skirts to ensure air circulation.
night cooling via ventilation systems
at night, if outdoor temperatures allow, skylights can open automatically, and exhaust systems can operate at higher speed and air volume. this removes warm air from the building and introduces cooler outside air, cooling the thermal mass for preconditioning the building for the next day.
direct use of geothermal energy via ground probes
up to 100 m deep ground probes transfer cooling energy to the brine circuit of the embedded pipe system. the cooled water supplies the ventilation system’s cooling coils and ceiling panels. in winter, the ground probe system preheats incoming ventilation air, reducing district heating demand, increasing overall efficiency of heat recovery, and regenerating the ground for the next cooling season. ground probes are hygienic, easy to control, and cost-effective in operation and maintenance, compared to air-based collectors or adiabatic systems. the ground probe system can also provide room cooling through ceiling panels even when the room ventilation system is switched off, for example during late spring months.
- architecture:
- fasch&fuchs.architekt:innen
- team architecture:
- robert breinesberger, maximilian krankl
- structural engineering:
- werkraum ingenieure zt gmbh
- building services engineering:
- die haustechniker
- model making:
- patrick klammer
- photography:
- michael sprachmann
- competition:
- 2011