ZSW Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research, Stuttgart
The ZSW is one of the leading institutes for applied research in the fields of photovoltaics, renewable fuels, battery technology, fuel cells, and energy system analysis. The new 3- or 6-story institute and laboratory building, constructed using a seamless design, provides workshops, machine halls, laboratories, offices, and seminar rooms for 110 employees. Certain research areas require cleanroom conditions. The ZSW is part of the Stuttgart Engineering Park, which connects companies and institutes with the neighboring university. In consultation with the staff, the building was designed with several interlocking sections of varying sizes. A glass-enclosed, two-story foyer serves as the main entrance.
To promote vibrant communication, each department is allocated its own building section with flexible spaces. All sections are interconnected via interfaces. Several light wells and covered atria facilitate internal, informal communication or provide spaces for taking breaks outdoors. Load-bearing facade columns are constructed as precast reinforced concrete elements in exposed concrete class 4 to meet the highest standards for surface quality.
The flexible floor plan design and unobstructed installation of laboratory and building services were achieved using beam-free, partially prestressed, concrete-core-activated reinforced concrete flat slabs (30 cm) with spans of up to approximately 12 m. Above the column-free seminar room, central columns support three upper floors. To investigate the building’s vibrational behavior, a calculation was performed using a comprehensive spatial model.
A distinctive feature is the black energy facade, which is intended to showcase the research being conducted in the building. The facade, originally planned in light-colored, prestigious natural stone, was fitted with thin-film photovoltaic modules specially developed by the ZSW and industry partners. Unlike conventional silicon PV modules, their cell structure is barely visible, creating the appearance of a homogeneous glass surface. In addition to generating electrical energy, they also provide weather and sound protection as well as thermal insulation.
Visually, they are barely distinguishable from the black, anodized aluminum cladding
that covers the areas receiving insufficient sunlight.
When it comes to air conditioning, the Stuttgart-based scientists rely on renewable energy: 32 geothermal probes and a heat pump dissipate excess heat from offices and laboratories into the ground during the summer. In winter, geothermal energy is used to generate heat for heating. As a result, about half of the thermal energy required for operations is supplied by renewable sources. The researchers also plan to use this technology to provide a significant portion of the process cooling needed. The atria are naturally ventilated.