Institute for Solar Physics (KIS),
University of Freiburg

The Institute for Solar Physics (KIS) conducts basic research in astronomy and astrophysics with a special focus on solar physics.The new research building for the Institute of Solar Physics is situated on the 4th construction plot on the former airfield grounds of Freiburg University, in close vicinity of the new SC Freiburg stadium. To be able to assert itself as the first building block on the construction site, the design draws on a self-contained cubature. It allows the greatest possible flexibility for the further development of the property.

The various functions of the institute, such as offices, laboratories, workshops and seminar areas, are brought together in a compact structure. To this end, the building was organized around a central atrium that connects all areas via a generously illuminated airspace. The atrium opens onto the ground floor towards the entrance, creating a spacious foyer. The seminar area is attached to it and can be expanded towards the foyer.
The workshops – the creative heart of the building – are located on the opposite side. The upper floors have an open plan – all rooms relate to the common center. A corridor running around the atrium connects the offices of the scientists and the administration with the laboratories and the meeting rooms. All workspaces are arranged along the outer façade. Right in front of it, along the atrium, there is space for breaks, meetings and informal communication.
A flexible furnishing concept for the atrium includes organically shaped seating made of folded paper, which contrasts with the purely rectangular room. Sun yellow was chosen as the leading color for the furnishing of the public areas, to complement the neutrally white interiors.

The new institute building is a solid masonry construction with reinforced concrete floors. The window openings in the load-bearing brick outer shell are in a vertical format, in keeping with the tectonics of the structure. The façades are given a horizontal structure by the brush-finished plaster and the wall thickness, which increases by five centimeters (2 inches) with each storey, allowing the rain to drip off thanks to the obvious integration of the window sills. To reinforce the monolithic effect of the structure, the window elements in the perforated facade are set inwards. Delicate elements in the shape of standing ovals were designed for the guardrails on the exterior and interior facades.
The compact structure and the very good thermal insulation of the building reduce transmission heat losses to a minimum. Very low energy consumption values are expected due to the highly efficient monolithic outer shell, a glazing proportion of around 30 % and triple thermal insulation glazing.

Client: Vermögen & Bau BW, Freiburg
Planning and construction: 2018-24
GFA and GV: 5.260 m², 24.700 m³

Competition 2018, 1st prize