Westhouse Augsburg
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
Category
Project Description
Westhouse Augsburg sees itself as an inspiring and creative playground for the most diverse types of community. Individual room combinations and modern forms of working environments offer space for inspiration and creative freedom. The concept is complemented by a large event hall offering space for conferences, cultural performances or worship. Augsburg’s first inclusion-hotel, an in-house bistro as well as a sports hall are on site. A completely new approach that combines work and leisure.
Geographical Scope
Project Region
Urban or rural issues
Physical or other transformations
EU Programme or fund
Which funds
Description of the project
Summary
Westhouse Augsburg was developed with the specific aim of creating spaces for communities. The building is located on a former military site in the west of Augsburg, Germany and offers a social meeting point to people working and living in the surrounding commercial and residential areas. The 90 m long structure of the building contains a mix of social and commercial uses, offering plenty of opportunity for communication and meeting: Modern offices with intelligent space utilisation concepts, co-working areas, a large hall for events with up to 480 people, differently equipped seminar rooms, a bistro and a sports hall, as well as Augsburg's first inclusion hotel are all part of the Westhouse and bring people together to work, celebrate, learn, eat, stay overnight, do sports or even just spend time together - a third place for everyone.
In addition to the social vision, ecological, energetic and economic aspects were also in the foreground.
With a view to conserving resources, the building was realised in timber hybrid construction and attention was paid to sustainable and regional building products.
A progressive energy concept was implemented that uses efficient building components and combines district heating with a solar-powered heat pump as the energy source.
Despite the high demands, Westhouse Augsburg could be realised very economically, as a fixed construction budget was set from the beginning with 4Wände as project developer and general contractor and taken into account in the planning process. The fixed budget could be implemented through the prefabrication of many components, the omission of cladding component layers (e.g. floor coverings) and standardised construction elements (e.g. windows and doors), all without compromising the aesthetic impression.
Key objectives for sustainability
Sustainability issues played an important role in the entire process from the
choice of materials in the construction process to the future-oriented space
concept and energy concept that enable sustainable use of the building.
Timber construction
In the choice of building materials, great importance was attached to the
use of sustainable and regional products, whereby the major challenge was
to implement the fire protection requirements of building class 5 in timber
construction or timber-steel-concrete hybrid construction. The two basement
floors, as well as the floor slabs of the ground and first floor, are made of
reinforced concrete. The hotel wing, on the other hand, is made entirely of
timber frame construction and glulam floor slabs. With regard to the
building's life cycle, care was also taken to ensure that the components can
be separated by type when the building is dismantled.
Energy concept
The building's energy concept is based on the use of district heating for
basic temperature control and hot water heating. The ground floor and the
basement are heated via building component activation and radiant ceiling
panels. On the other hand, a heat pump system is installed, which heats and
cools the hotel rooms, the hall and the office and seminar rooms using water
(hybrid VRF). The energy for this is largely generated by the 99 kWp
photovoltaic system on the roof itself - in summer, the cooling capacity is
limited to its currently available output. Excess energy generated by the
system is buffered in a battery storage unit. The solar yields brought into
the building through the floor-to-ceiling windows are used to heat the rooms
in winter, and external venetian blinds provide thermal protection in
summer. Ventilation heat losses are reduced by a heat recovery system.
Intelligently arranged windows and skylights cool the building at night. The
building achieves the KfW-55 efficiency house standard thanks to the very
good U-values of the exterior components.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Exterior On the outside, the large-scale timber hybrid building is
characterised by its pre-greyed timber façade, from which the plastered
ground floor with mullion and transom façade stands out. The façade is
rhythmicised by standardised windows on the upper floors. The fire
protection apron in the upper storeys also characterises the façade
appearance as a horizontal element.
Lighting When planning the rooms, emphasis was placed on an open and
very bright design due to the many windows, and the necessary artificial
lighting was reduced to a minimum. The large proportion of visible wooden
surfaces, the recognisable floor slab and light wall surfaces painted with
silicate paint create a bright, friendly and natural impression of the room.
From the smaller seminar and office rooms, to spacious areas in the open
office area, co-working space or foyer and event hall, different requirements
are optimally complemented. Ceiling-high/floor-deep windows let plenty of
light into the building, while the darkening of the rooms and summer heat
protection are ensured by Venetian blinds attached to the outside of the
façade. Throughout the building, only LED lamps with a warm colour tone
are used, which save up to 90% of the energy compared to normal light
bulbs. Different lighting scenarios can thus be created, which is particularly
important for the seminar rooms.
Colours The colour scheme consists mainly of natural, light and warm earth
tones, combined with individual, discreet colour accents. The basic colour
concept is subordinate to the architecture of the individual rooms, but the
formal language of the room is emphasised by selected colour accents. The
concept is reflected in the design of the façade, the floors, walls and
ceilings, and even in the furnishings of the various rooms. For example,
acoustic strips made of wood-wool lightweight boards, numerous built-in
elements made of spruce and colour-coordinated pieces of furniture were
used.
Key objectives for inclusion
The Westhouse Augsburg aims to be a place of social encounter for all (Third Space). (Away from Corona) this means an open foyer and prayer room that are accessible to everyone, a bistro that can be used as a meeting place, coworking spaces that can be booked as needed. The event and seminar rooms can be used for events of different addressees, whether congress, wedding, church service or concert (multifunctionality). Furthermore, social service providers can be found as permanent tenants in the premises. As an inclusive hotel, the hotel offers people with Down's syndrome a job and training place on the primary labour market (Inklusion); more than half of the current employees there have impairments. This mix of different employees and changing visitors to the Westhouse Augsburg enables the exchange of different population groups.
The planning was essentially based on DIN 18040-1 "Barrier-free building - Planning principles - Part 1: Publicly accessible buildings": The entire building and its outdoor facilities are barrier-free and wheelchairaccessible and can be accessed from the public space. There are barrierfree WCs and lifts on all floors. The main entrances are accessible via ramps and equipped with motorised doors. In the hotel, 8 of the 73 rooms are barrier-free and 8 are wheelchair-accessible, each with threshold-free bathrooms. The gym can also be used barrier-free.
The innovative social project is complemented by further premises of social facilities and institutions. The diversity is what makes the building. It is a special meeting place where there is always something going on, but which is not profit-oriented, but makes an important contribution to the people of Augsburg.
In the choice of building materials, great importance was attached to the use of sustainable and regional products, whereby the major challenge was to implement the fire protection requirements of building class 5 in timber construction or timber-steel-concrete hybrid construction.
Results in relation to category
The social diversity of the users of the Westhouse Augsburg, which was
already mentioned in the last point, is enabled and strengthened by the
flexible space utilisation concept. It provides for multiple occupancy and
flexible space solutions that reduce vacancies while increasing opportunities
for different uses.
For example, the function hall can be used for celebrations, weddings,
church services, conferences, meetings and concerts and can be furnished
differently.
The foyer can serve as an open lounge, concert area, conference room or for
small in-house fairs and can be extended into the hall by a curtain.
The seminar rooms on the first floor have folding partitions, creating rooms
of different sizes for different group sizes. From 22m² to 100m², the rooms
can be used for lectures, conferences, meetings, seminars, trade fairs or
small celebrations.
The office units each have no meeting rooms of their own, but book their
conference room of the appropriate size temporarily as needed.
The gymnasium can be used for anything from pure use as a sports facility
to children's events or family celebrations, where the adjoining galley
kitchen can come in handy.
The hotel, bistro and social service providers can play a supporting role in
various events while attracting more visitors.
In this way, the resource of space is used optimally and in a variety of ways,
strengthening communication between the various parties in the
Westhouse, while still remaining adaptable to future changes of use.
There are different initiatives using the building:
The newly established operating company 'Westhouse GmbH' renting out the event spaces as well as the permanently rented areas like the hotel, the bistro and the office rooms.
The newly founded 'Westhouse community' is a non-profit association and wants to create and enable special encounters.
Augsburg's 1st inclusive hotel is sponsored by 'einsmehr' - the Down's Syndrome Initiative for Augsburg and the surrounding area.
How Citizens benefit
The plot of land on a former US army barracks site was sold to the developer by a company for urban development of the city of Augsburg as a conversion area within the framework of a competition procedure.
Participation
For the project development of Westhouse Augsburg, information events
and two "idea workshops" were held in advance to discuss possible uses
with residents, associations, businesses and politicians. The utilisation
concept was developed from these events and contact was made with
potential future tenants. These included, for example, the start-up "Meike's
Schmeckerei" as the operator of the bistro, as well as the “Hotel einsmehr”,
which is the first inclusion hotel in Augsburg to offer work and training
places for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
These future users were also able to influence and help shape the planning
and design.
Indoor climate
The building achieves increased sound insulation through floating screed
structures, partially bonded gravel fill and sound insulation-optimised
connection details. With the help of an emission protection report the
protection of both Westhouse Augsburg users and neighbours, was ensured.
To ensure natural regulation of indoor air humidity, all exterior and interior
wall surfaces were constructed to be open to diffusion. The exterior walls are
equipped with a moisture-variable vapour barrier to ensure the exchange of
moisture in both directions. Inside the rooms, the process is supported by
diffusion-open silicate paint. The many solid wooden building components
such as the solid wood ceilings and
The many solid wooden components, such as the solid wooden ceilings and
timber-frame walls, as well as the solid wooden furniture, ensure breathable
rooms and good regulation of indoor humidity. The interior fittings and
furniture are mostly made of solid spruce wood, which gives the rooms a
particularly cosy atmosphere.
Physical or other transformations
Innovative character
Westhouse Augsburg was developed as a social project from the very
beginning by 4Wände GmbH with people from politics, society and business
to match and to respond to the concrete needs and wishes of the local
population.
It is not intended to remain a stand-alone project, but to act as a model for
other "social buildings" in other cities. The vision of 4Wände GmbH is to
develop and implement many more "Westhouses" that offer people a place
to meet and at the same time demonstrate a responsible approach to
resources, energy and costs through sustainable construction.
Westhouse Augsburg is a project geared towards its users that takes
sustainability seriously as a social issue in all areas.
On the one hand, it is a multifunctional centre that works as a social hub
combining many different usages. Through a multiple occupancy and a room
booking system, the space is optimally utilised and offers users plenty of
room for appropriation.
At the same time, despite high fire protection requirements, it is built in
timber hybrid construction and with as many sustainable building materials
as possible.
And finally, the good energy concept contributes to a development towards
climate neutrality.
Learning transferred to other parties
Everyone knows that the building is only half the battle. What is much more important are the people, the atmosphere and the thoughts that are put
together. With Westhouse, we are pursuing a goal. We want this house to be a special place for encounters.
Our society is crying out for new places where people like to meet, celebrate together, work creatively, spend time,
find support and relax. This offers amazing opportunities for parishes, Christian ministries and businesses.
opportunities. When community spaces grow together with commercial spaces and social-diaconal facilities, meeting centres with unexpected synergies are created.
with unimagined synergies. The "Westhouse" project shows that this can be financed and is a win-win situation for all involved.
Church is relevant and in the middle of society.
The Westhouse is located in the west of Augsburg and offers diversity under one roof. Rooms for church services, concerts, seminars,
celebrations, sports, a hotel, a bistro, offices and service areas.
We encourage a new concept: congregations should create spaces that do good for the city and the people.
Imagine what would happen if congregations really moved into the middle of society and lived the Gospel more "touchably" - if they created opportunities for meeting, events, businesses, clubs, sports, cafés.
the Gospel more "tangibly" - if they created opportunities for meetings, events, businesses, clubs, sports, cafés or restaurants.
restaurants.
We are convinced that this would not only be healthy for the congregations and the generational change, but
but also that many people would be able to experience the "good news" in a relaxed way and thus experience church in a new way.
But also interesting synergy effects and completely new financing possibilities and concepts for the construction and operation of the buildings could arise.
and concepts for the construction and operation of the buildings. With the "Westhouse Augsburg" we have created a first example
