Projekthaus Zukunft, Dresden (DE)
New building,
Building in existing structures,
Timber construction,
Circular construction
Client: Staatsbetrieb Sächsisches Immobilien- und Baumanagement SIB - Niederlassung Dresden II
Architecture: Dietrich Untertrifaller with Jordan Balzer Schubert Architekten
Landscape: Storch Landschaftsarchitektur, Dresden
Competition: 2024
Area: Total area 6,000 m², of which 2,100 m² is the CeTI Cluster of Excellence
Programme: Interdisciplinary campus centre with lecture hall, café, student council StuRa, administration, offices, laboratories, university with child
Visualisations: Dietrich Untertrifaller
Text: Gerlinde Jüttner
Innovative working environment for interdisciplinary collaboration
The "Projekthaus Zukunft" (Project House Future) in the centre of the Technical University Dresden (TUD) campus is the interface between science, research and teaching. The cube-shaped solitaire at the eastern end of the central campus green forms a striking counterpart to the auditorium centre. Our design creates an innovative working landscape with a variety of spaces for interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists and students. Here they can engage in dialogue with each other, drive projects forward together and present their research findings.
The concept not only fulfils the functional requirements of the university, but also develops a concise architectural language. It was important to us to maximise flexibility of use, life cycle-appropriate construction methods and future-oriented and cost-effective energy concepts.
Trees growing in the atrium
The heart of the building and the public hub is the building-high atrium. It connects the different functions and levels and forms an active communication zone. Trees even grow here in the daylight through the shed roof, creating a pleasant climate and a great atmospheric lightness.
The square floor plan with a grid of 5.40 x 5.40 metres allows for efficient, flexible use of space. Openings and open areas promote multi-spaces and "new work" as well as interdisciplinary dialogue. The shed roof with integrated photovoltaic system enables the ideal utilisation of natural light.
Multifunctional campus green
The newly designed campus green between the project house and the auditorium centre forms the urban planning backbone for our design. The diverse utilisation concept serves as both a recreational space and a meeting place, thus promoting social networking. Rainwater management and climate-resilient plants reinforce the ecological orientation of the project. The "tuuwi garden", a greenhouse and a pergola with exhibition areas as well as a children's playground and a storage and maintenance yard complete the multifunctional features.
Flexible, future-proof building structure
The high degree of prefabrication of timber frame construction contributes significantly to ecological and economic sustainability. Compared to conventional reinforced concrete methods, it significantly shortens the construction time and favours the conscious use of materials. The low-maintenance, durable and flexible building technology and the fact that the building can be dismantled minimise CO² emissions.
The interior fit-out is also designed to be reversible, circular and deconstructable, e.g. with clay construction boards instead of plasterboard. In terms of sustainability, we are also integrating the building materials obtained from the demolition of the small existing building into the design, e.g. as brick paths and seating steps on the campus green.
