Institute for Bee Research - New Building University of Hohenheim

Since a cost-effective renovation of the container building from the 1960s was no longer feasible for a modern research operation, a new building for the State Institute of Apiculture in Hohenheim was decided upon and implemented.

The building, designed by Lanz Schwager Architects, is an innovative wood-hybrid construction, the first of its kind in laboratory construction in Baden-Württemberg. In the spirit of sustainability, materials like recycled concrete and white fir were used.

The usable area covers over 1,200 square meters with labs, a beekeeping and workshop area, offices, and seminar rooms. A 100-square-meter photovoltaic system is located on the shed roof of the two-story, elongated building; the remaining roof areas feature extensive greenery.

The low-energy building was constructed according to passive house standards and was also certified according to the sustainable building rating system for federal buildings (BNB). A detailed thermal building simulation allowed for the optimization of heating, cooling, and ventilation. A conventional heating system was omitted since the building meets passive house standards. The remaining heating needs are covered by the fully installed mechanical ventilation system in the building. An adiabatic exhaust air humidification/evaporative cooling system covers the cooling load, reducing the need for mechanical cooling to the essentials.

Client: State of Baden-Württemberg, represented by Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg, University Building Authority Stuttgart and Hohenheim

User: State Institute of Apiculture, University of Hohenheim

Design/Planning: Lanz Schwager Architects

Electrical Planning and Photovoltaics: Ingenieurbüro Schork GmbH & Co. KG

Construction Period: April 2019 - December 2020