Compressed air system provider KAESER Kompressoren SE is building a pioneering public e-charging park on the northern edge of the Coburg urban area near the A73. The architectural competition has now been completed for the significant investment in the future viability of the region and the location. The first prize was won by DKFS Architects, based in London and Cologne. The design integrates nature, technology and life into a new generation of infrastructure.

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An investment in the future viability of the site

The KAESER charging park in Coburg is an investment in the future viability of the Coburg location — because it meets the current and future needs of companies and citizens alike. KAESER is thus pursuing the immediate goal of CO₂ neutrality and also sees the project as an important milestone on the way to becoming an energy-self-sufficient company. At the same time, the project fits into the adopted urban development concept of the municipality of Coburg and provides integral answers to the requirements that local citizens and businesses place on tomorrow's mobility infrastructure.

The project promises to be groundbreaking, in particular because of the architectural vision that underlies it. KAESER aims to create a place of efficiency and emotion with a unique interplay of architecture, landscape and vehicle logic. It is this claim in particular that the award-winning design by DKFS Architects meets with flying colors.

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Efficiency meets a feel-good experience

The KAESER charging park in Coburg is paving the way for nationwide electric mobility in the region — thanks to the creation of exceptionally high charging capacities in a region that is still underserved in this regard. The key figures speak for themselves: The entire area in Coburg's North Industrial Park covers almost 3.5 hectares. No less than 60 HPC charging points for cars in the latest 300 kW version, 4 fast truck charging points and 40 parking spaces without charging function are planned.

Thanks to pioneering architecture and optimally coordinated processes, arrival, charging and time spent are closely interwoven. While strategic arrivals and departures to avoid traffic jams, an intelligent parking space information system and, last but not least, fast-charging technology ensure efficiency, the innovative service concept and construction and landscape design ensure the corresponding feel-good experience.

A destination for everyone

The KAESER charging park Coburg will be a destination for everyone — its charging garden and the surrounding parkland offer not only traveling e-mobilists, but also day trippers and families a memorable quality of stay. The elegant curve of the charging park roof shows that the building sees itself as part of the topography. Their characteristic elevation also acts as a representative gesture of welcome. As soon as you arrive, it is clear that the quality of stay is understood holistically as the perfect combination of functionality and aesthetics.

Under the roof, the pleasantly warm colour of the wooden structure dominates. The service areas with café shop, e-bike rental station, self-service machines and children's playground can be reached dry feet. Green space chains lead users via a barrier-free ramp to the upper level to roof terraces and a directly adjacent parking area. Its garden-like character with small trees, seating and a network of attractive walking trails invites you to relax and unwind. The barn at Hessenhof in the southern park area also has future potential here, which could become another attraction as a versatile event location. Last but not least, the project will also improve connections to the already popular local recreation areas Goldbergsee and Glenderwiesen. Both the 40 new car parking spaces and the modern footpath and cycle path infrastructure, which goes hand in hand with the road development of the charging park, contribute to this.

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Nature, technology and life in harmony

The KAESER charging park in Coburg shows how beautifully nature, technology and life can harmonize — because it not only effectively reduces its ecological footprint, but also makes it tangible through its architecture inspired by nature. Just as the building fits integrally into the landscape, it also sees itself as a contribution to maintaining this landscape. The materials used in the roof construction are not only completely recyclable, they also lead to an effective reduction in CO₂ emissions thanks to their green energy-generating PV shingles. The e-charging stations are of course also powered by 100% green electricity. The trees along the former Christian Road leading to it are largely preserved and become the core of a new climate forest. Complementary shrubs condense the row of trees into a shady grove.

Overall, this implementation results in a significant dismantling of sealed surfaces, as water-permeable asphalt or lawn joint paving is predominantly used. Seeping troughs are also provided to collect rainwater and to regulate heat through evaporative cooling.

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A project that sets standards

Coburg will have one of the most modern charging parks in Germany in the near future. The way in which the factors of future orientation, effectiveness, comfort and sustainability are brought together promises to develop appeal not only regionally and nationally, but even across Europe.