The pilot project of the state of Baden-Württemberg combines all functions of an applied bee research facility and a practice-oriented apiary under one roof. The longitudinal, two storey volume delimits the campus site on its southern perimeter and displays an open character facing the lush green of the natural landscape. To the east, the cantilevering upper floor of the building denotes the generous main entrance area. The foyer receives zenithal light and provides visitors with quick orientation and access to relevant spaces. These include a honey sample collection point, a seminar room for biology students and an experimental apiary for the in-house production of honey. A delivery zone protected from the weather is directly accessible from the supply road in the north. The spaces on the upper floor are structured according to a triple loaded plan layout with centrally arranged service rooms. The opposite arrangement of offices and laboratory spaces provides short walking distances. This permits flexibly separating the research area, only accessible to accredited visitors. The building features a timber hybrid construction type with two reinforced concrete cores and timber concrete composite ceilings. The facade exterior is clad in silver fir. It received a biocide-free glazed finish, instead of commonly used pre-greying systems. The dark hues anticipate expected natural discolourations. In the interiors, light coloured wood panelling consisting of spruce and silver fir prevail, as well as visibly exposed concrete components. The materials and ample daylight combined create a pleaasant indoor atmosphere.
In terms of planning and execution, achieving sustainability was of great importance to Lanz Schwager Architekten. The extensive use of timber for the load bearing structure, the interior finishes and the highly insulated building envelope leads to a very good ecological balance. Comprehensive supervision on the construction site ensured that the envisioned quality standards of building components, certified exclusively according to the Assessment System for Sustainable Building (BNB), were met. As a result, they are also guaranteed pollutant-free. The facade achieves a standard that is comparable to a passive house and, thus, a heating system was not required. The remaining heating demands are met by a mechanical ventilation system installed throughout the building. The shed skylight follows the entire length of the building and is covered in photovoltaic modules along its southern side. The other roof areas are extensively greened – with plants friendly to bees, of course.
