Competition 2006, 1st prize / Project 2006-2007 / Realization 2007–2008 /

The Heinrich Böll Foundation is closely linked to the political party Bündnis 90 - Die Grünen (Green Party) and is committed to promoting democratic decision-making, socio-political engagement and international understanding around the globe. The new building occupies the...

Competition 2006, 1st prize / Project 2006-2007 / Realization 2007–2008 /

The Heinrich Böll Foundation is closely linked to the political party Bündnis 90 - Die Grünen (Green Party) and is committed to promoting democratic decision-making, socio-political engagement and international understanding around the globe. The new building occupies the corner of a small city park. The design concept is both radical and pragmatic: based on a very minimal budget, it clearly prioritizes how much money should be spent in which areas. While the office storeys are organized efficiently and most economically, the spacious conference level cantilevers into the park and emphasises its function as the prestigious centre. It seems as though the inconspicuous office cube above the ground floor has been split in two and an elegant, tone-storey villa has been implanted into it – a combination that gives the building an appearance that is on the one hand more stately, yet on the other hand reserved, fitting to the mission of the Foundation.

INNOVATIVE ENERGY CONCEPT. The energy concept for the foundation's new head office puts the building in the ecological vanguard. Highly innovative technology in small doses creates a pleasant working environment in the modern office spaces. It boasts an energy consumption of only 55.7 kWh/m2EBFa, which undercuts the legal maximum by half. This makes the building a leader in the field of modern office and conference centre design. Basic principles of the energy concept are: Intelligent systems with as little equipment as possible. this saves resources and keeps down the installation and operating costs / Recycling of waste heat in an innovative manner / Ventilation and cooling are as natural as possible and give users maximum control.