Second prize

Author:
Prof. Dipl. Ing. M. Arch. Felix Waechter
Dipl. Ing. Sibylle Waechter
M. Sc. Teresa Burmester

Cooperation from:
M.Sc. Patrick Schürmann

Technical planning:
Structural planning merz kley partner GmbH, Dornbirn: Konrad Merz

Technical planning:
Model construction: gbm modellbau gmbh, Darmstadt
Visualisation: PONNIE Images

DECISION OF THE PRIZE JURY:

 

With the fundamental concept of a fruit orchard, the work delivers a robust and clear spatial framework that demonstrates an exemplary lightness of touch and relaxed approach. The landscape, which hints almost at the romantic age takes reference from the cultural landscape of the region and, together with the canopies replacing individual trees, promises a relaxing spot where drivers can take a break. At the same time, the restrained language is controversial, and the jury members came to differing conclusions on the perception of the installation as an energy charging station and the development of its image within its landscape. The desired link to the Goldbergsee lake has been provided and the diagonal through cycle route is retained.

The traffic management functions at a fundamental level, although the one-way system is not completely convincing since drivers will have to do another loop via the feeder road when the first row of spaces is occupied. No mention is made in the plan of the location of the required technical area and this therefore remains unresolved. The basic structure of the service block is at odds with its internal organisation. While its perceptibility is up for debate due to its size, here too the the pared-back design stays true to its lines and consistently carries forward its fundamental idea. The individual construction elements allows a phased development.

The promised lightness of the canopies is called into question due to the communicated intensive (extensive?) green roof structure. The positioning of free standing and seemingly alien charging points next to the canopies is not easy to understand. Moreover, the individual canopies will not guarantee full weather-protected access to the service block. 

The chosen vegetation comprising fruit trees and extensive flower meadows suggests a high, positive contribution to biodiversity. However, the tree selection in the area directly next to the parking spaces should be revisited critically. The low level of surface sealing is viewed positively. The scenic and romantic appearance of the interplay of extensive vegetation and path areas is viewed critically in terms of maintenance and care.

Overall, the work’s serene approach creates an environmentally valuable, sustainable and pleasingly unfussy contribution, the consistent realisation of which is convincing. It remains uncertain whether, in its simplicity against the backdrop of the rural village environment, the work is able to radiate the required power of attraction.

 

Explanation of the design

Explanatory text

Meadow orchard

A meadow orchard forms the transition between the industrial area with its large buildings and the beautiful natural area around the Goldbergsee lake. It is part of the cultural landscape and yet also a space for nature. The orchard refers to the town and its surroundings as part of Coburg's cultural landscape. Its atmosphere creates a special natural space. Strong-growing, high-stemmed and large-crowned fruit trees loosely planted in a typical grid and underplanted with various flowering meadows. Every year, the blossoming fruit trees herald the arrival of spring and provide healthy fruit in autumn.

Covered

A canopy inserted in the same pattern. Several canopies. Below each canopy, a pillar with two charging points. The roofing of the charging bays is part of the orchard meadow, interweaving the built and the grown, parking, charging and relaxing. Thanks to the dissolution and modularity, the topography can be preserved and does not have to be levelled; the canopies trace the natural slope with a slight height offset.

Delve

Between charging, we delve into the grove, slowly moving forwards - the grove opens up and widens into a clearing. We discover the scent of the meadow, its colours, the structure of the branches. We absorb this whole world.

Path network

The paths follow the grid geometry of the orchard meadow, with wide diagonals of light-coloured scattered asphalt opening up the various spatial sequences and atmospheres of the orchard and connecting these different points. The paths widen at the forks, inviting you to pause, look round and linger. The network of paths becomes a bridge that leads on to the Goldbachsee lake. The second layer consists of paths made of loosely paved gravel in the meadows, which open up spaces and clearings and become recreational areas.

Natural

No park, no elaborate care of highly cultivated plants, just harvest in autumn. Different local fruit varieties make the change of seasons tangible. Blossoming cherries characterise the picture on arrival. There are ornamental trees and shrubs in the car park area so that there is no disturbance. The meadow areas are supplemented by herbaceous seedlings, a habitat for a species-rich community of birds, bees, insects and small animals. Sheep can be used to maintain the landscape. Rainwater is collected in troughs and used for cooling before it is purified and drains away. A loose border of multi-stemmed deciduous trees draws the eye, provides screening and creates targeted views. As the topography rises slightly, the orchard also develops, radiating out into the surrounding area and inviting you in.

Places

Freestanding, delicate chairs secured by trackers stand in groups in the meadows and gravelled areas and can be used, moved around and arranged in the sun or shade as required. A large wooden table invites you to share a picnic and stimulates conversation. In a central clearing, a climbing grove of natural logs beckons. At the highest point, we can see the Goldbachsee lake sparkling from the viewpoint. The Hessenhof is part of this place, just like the cyclists exploring the region, perhaps lingering longer in the orchard and charging their bikes at one of the canopies.

Service

Below a canopy, around a small walk-in inner courtyard, the service area invites those arriving and those waiting, organised in a ring with vending machines allowing the delicious fruit that has been picked to be tasted, as well as toilet and shower facilities. The lounge and the open and accessible courtyard invite you to eat and drink. The necessary central technology is located in a basement accessible from the outside, the transformers are decentralised under their own canopies, each easily accessible.

Simple

The supporting structure of the canopies is simple, the rim-like structure is based on Japanese umbrellas. The clamped centre support, which follows the course of the forces, is solidly made from recycled concrete - thus also protected in the impact area, secured against impact, corrosion, etc. The delicate branches of the canopies delicately dissolve in contrast - each supporting the centre of the roof frames. Naturally resource-saving in timber with simple timber joints without complex steel components. The wooden panels laid on top are slightly inclined inwards in a funnel shape and greened on the top, with a square array of PV modules if required. The downpipe is inserted into the prefabricated support at the factory.

Sustainable and circular

Inside the service block, the timber components are oiled and soaped in a light whitish colour; on the outside, they turn a silvery grey and form a unit with the growth. The appearance inside and out is characterised by the beauty of the wood, whose texture tells the story of growth and whose patina tells the story of use. The light-coloured wooden windows and the filigree metal components harmonise with the material and colour concept. In keeping with the intended workshop-like character, the floors are designed as a homogeneous, light-coloured, matt-sanded clay screed and are therefore durable in accordance with the usage concept. Sustainability, life cycle and the conservation of natural resources are given special consideration when selecting materials.

Illuminating

The canopy is both a roof and a reflector. The canopies are underlit with 4 spotlights, creating uniform lighting above the charging columns as well as an atmospheric and highly visible effect on the outside.