Mention

Author:
Roland Wehinger, Arch. DI
Annika Sailer, Dipl.-Ing.
Frank Neumann, Dipl.-Ing. (FH)

Collaborators:
Thomas Fussenegger, Clémentine Huck, Justine Nimitz
Sophie Hundertmark, Anna Radice, Laura Stoib, Marion Hohmann, Carolin Diel

Technical planning:
Construction engineering: merz kley partner GmbH
Energy innovation management: Rhomberg Bau GmbH
Light design: Miriam Prantl
Hospitality and operator concept: Ingo Wessel hospitality development

DECISION OF THE PRIZE JURY:

 

The placement of the charging station on the plot, the positioning of entry and exit routes and the location of the lorry charging station are fundamentally believable. Seen from the roundabout, the building appears emblematic. A certain appeal emanates from the light timber structure holding the PV elements. However, the entry into the lower part of the building looks more like an entry into a basement garage and is not convincing.

Overall, the effort required to construct the lower part of the spiral structure appears inappropriate in terms of cost, impingement into the landscape and use of resources. The single-leg parking system is also unconvincing. In addition, there are significant doubts about the quality of space in the area below the ramp, which seems to also be too complex from a construction perspective given it is a flat roof that can also be driven on.

The functional requirements are broadly met, albeit with considerable weak points. Particularly awkward are the lack of flexibility and inability to accommodate a phased construction process. The large provision of PV areas is seen positively.

A series of decisions made in the draft require significant use of resources and entail a high level of maintenance effort.

This ambitious approach is unfortunately only partially convincing for the prize jury.

Explanation of the design

Explanatory text

The charging station design is in opposition to the insincerity of the globalised petrol station concept in order to fulfil the need for “fuel” at a local level from a new holistic perspective. The architecture and landscaping together establish a framework for a different model of consumption, which is both economically and ecologically viable. The beautifully designed building manifests itself at the interface of nature & high-tech with the objective of conserving resources and ensuring sufficiency. The result is an honest architecture that is rooted in the location thanks to the choice of construction materials and harmony with the topography. Customers and visitors will find their way around with ease and experience the four elements sun, wind, water and earth while charging their vehicles. The result is a place to experience and feel well in at the KAESER Charging Station.

CAR CHARGING STATION AND SERVICE BLOCK

The round form of the building stands in stark contrast to the heterogeneous and orthogonal lines of the surrounding commercial environment. The accessible spiral path optimises the traffic flow with clear sight lines, short distances and generous parking areas. The covered carriageway is also integrated while maintaining the view from the distance into the landscape. The concept of the spiral shape is a deliberate nod to the sigma profile of KAESER compressors.

Embedded in the rolling meadows, the delicate timber construction that opens to the exterior of the charging station presents a natural, inviting face. Warm tones on the underside of the timber reinforce this beckoning gesture at night and during bad weather thanks to the playful lighting concept generated by the ongoing charging activity at the site.

Choosing to visit the charging infrastructure, visitors trace the natural contours of the site, ascending the accessible 2.5% slope of the track. Only from the main road does the elevated and roofed car park level appear deliberately striking and visible from afar, blending in with nature. On the journey upwards the gaze is drawn to the landscape as visitors pass the latest e-mobility models. It is a scene that is otherwise the purview only of the glamorous world of major automotive brands, but reinterpreted and surrounded by nature, earth and timber.

As the route continues, the eyes take in the iridescent greens and blues of the PV roof. It is here that the entire technical dimension of the project becomes tangible. While by day the exposed roof top collects solar energy for optimum use, when the heavens open it is repurposed to collect rainwater. Gravity allows the precipitation to take its course, swirling down into a central retention pond. The water storage tank, located largely beneath the ground, appears on the surface simply as a small oasis, and releases the captured rainwater for irrigation of the open spaces on hot days, and also serving as a reservoir for waste water.

As a clearly urban destination, the service block faces the main road and the site entrance. A generously canopied front is an arrivals hall, lobby and external rest area rolled into one. Swivelling glass shutters controlled by compressed air divert and direct the breeze according to the outside temperature, allowing the space to be usable all year round.

The position of the service block at the point between vehicle and pedestrian traffic means that roads and paths do not cross, ensuring maximum comfort and safety. The central spiral staircase provides access to the service block from all directions within a short distance and on dry ground. The spiral path offers a 360° panorama of the landscape and opens up the barn and Hessenhof to all despite the 7m elevation. The produce on sale in the service block is not overpriced, is largely from local producers and delivered from self-service vending machines freshly prepared and packaged in recyclable materials. Pleasant seating, a convivial bar counter with vending machines, a lounge-like island featuring infrared heaters and a cosy playpit for children complete the feel-good interior of the building.

Lorry charging station

While the lorry charging point has the same construction as the main building, the surface sealing and driveways are minimised. With just one additional tension belt and compression ring, the support structure is minimised.

CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS

The construction of the charging station roof is simple and easy to dismantle. It is based on a supporting element that repeats itself 186 times and is composed of just 5 different radii. The forked columns with a roof element from trapezoidal 3S panels for stiffening can be easily prefabricated from linear elements. The individual roof segments are then simply joined on site to the track-like circulating base detail point using dowels. Finally, the one metre square glass PV modules are suspended in place.

The walls of the service block and parapets are of rammed earth construction. The material is available locally and can be extracted from the available clays. Incorporated strap bars and a steel plate cover provide durable protection for the earth components. The roof structure of the service block consisting of an asphalt-covered beam layer is a simple design and tried and tested in timber construction. The radially curved edge beams made of reinforced concrete are easy to prefabricate in the precast plant. The floor structure consists solely of asphalt terrazzo with a layer of expanded clay underneath. The polished asphalt surface flows seamlessly into the paved outdoor areas, so that inside and outside merge.

The charging points are in part powered by fascinating PV modules that give off a unique morpho effect. Taking inspiration from butterfly wings, these glass modules not only exude an aesthetically pleasing effect but also generate an innovative connection with nature and underline the creative objective of an energetic design.

CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATING COSTS / PHASED CONSTRUCTION.

The design breaks the barrier between form and efficiency as it fulfils both criteria equally. The charging station roof covers only the necessary surface area at a moderate height. The ability to drive across the service block roof increases efficiency by means of multiple usage.

The operating costs are anticipated to be low. All timber elements are fully weather-proofed and require no maintenance. The 3,100 m2 PV roof is low-maintenance and supplies a large amount of operational power. All charging infrastructure cabling is above ground and easily accessible. The electrical systems and transformers are located centrally at ground level and can be easily accessed from outside. The comfort of the central IR heating and generally lower room temperature as well as reuse of rainwater for outside areas and the toilet blocks also help keep operating costs down.

Phased construction is planned, with only the eastern part of the plot being built on initially. The spiral will initially accommodate 40 charging points and 20 visitor car parking spaces. In the second phase, the western part including the lorry charging point and parking will be built.

OPEN AIR CONCEPT AND IDEA

The site is covered in green areas offering a variety of relaxing spots for both a short stay and a longer family excursion. A circulating path links the various areas together allowing visitors to find their way easily and reliably estimate the length of their stay.

Starting from the service block, visitors can walk to the “Rustling Rest” viewpoint at the centre of a sparse grove of trembling poplar trees, whose leaves make the sound of rushing water in the wind. Along the path up through the “rolling meadows” a mix of tall grasses and flowering perennials joins up a number of isolated play areas for children. The circular path takes the visitor through the “rainbow forest”, with a densely shaded area towards the south west thanks to the deliberate planting of communities of native species and climate-resistant variants. The planting therefore creates a natural wind barrier and establishes the site’s bioclimate regulation: The evaporation and transpiration capacity of the trees significantly cools the local climate in the middle of the industrial estate and minimises heat island effects on the site. The circular path provides changing views, for example the “Woolly Meadow”, where sheep keep watch over an area intended to balance the site, or the “Misty Woods” play area and the “Picking Garden” where seasonal fruit and vegetables are harvested and used to produce the fare on sale in the service block and barn. The Christenstrasse cycle path merges naturally with the new building and leads via an elevated viewing path (the “High Walk”) across the Woolly Meadow directly to the regional cycling route towards the Goldbergsee lake. A minor cycle path providing access to the industrial estate is retained. Next to the exit from the charging station is an electric bike hire point allowing exploration of the Glenderwiese along the new cycle route, with e-bike charging facility.

Provided the existing construction is suitable, the existing barn will be redeveloped and repurposed in line with the hospitality concept, establishing a synergy with the charging station and also the Hessenhof.