a+r Architekten

Description

The new building housing the is located in the town centre and, as a direct neighbour of the Göppingen railway station, is an important component of the «Reorganisation of the Station Area» as part of the master plan for the Göppingen 2030 urban development process. In terms of urban planning, the elongated four-storey building provides a significant impetus for improving the area around the railway station. Parallel to long north façade, the beginning of a pedestrian promenade has been created, leading into a revitalised urban area. In order to blend the oblong structure into the rather small-scale neighbouring development, it was divided into five sections on both longitudinal sides. In each section, alternating with the respective neighbouring segment, one or two storeys were recessed. This gives the design sculptural energy, and the segmentation of the building creates valuable open spaces in the form of terraces on each level. In terms of sustainability, all options were explored down to the last detail. The brick façade, for example, was chosen as it is largely maintenance-free, and the mineral wool insulation was the most ecological solution possible. Cradle-to-cradle recycling aspects were also taken into account. Essentially, energy for heating and cooling is generated via a wastewater heat exchanger, and a good part of the electricity demand is covered by a PV system.