Description
The pharmacological research centre in Biberach is part of the research campus of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma KG Company. Essentially, the building accommodates laboratories and offices.
The elongated seven-storey building shows a layout with a hybrid double-loaded corridor; it largely follows the shape of the given site. On the ground floor, the core zone widens into a foyer space on the side where it connects to the existing building fabric. This space functions as a structural and functional hinge linking to its neighbour on the other floors as well. Additionally, circulation routes on campus are to cross within the foyer.
The floor plan comprises naturally ventilated offices on the west side and a highly equipped laboratory zone on the east side. As a special variation of the common research layout, equipment and measuring rooms, rooms with constant temperature, and chemical stores are directly attached to the laboratories. Between these highly air-conditioned special laboratories access corridors are located reducing the distances between the offices/think tanks and the experimental spaces.
The laboratories are 6 m, the office 4 m deep and separated by a narrow atrium space. Both zones are linked via galleries and bridges. Between the bridges, daylight can penetrate deeply into the building. Simultaneously, thermal convection in the voids creates a stack effect assisting the natural ventilation of the offices. During summer, this building part is naturally cooled at night. The voids also accommodate an open staircase linking all levels.
The building is a reinforced concrete structure with a curtain wall façade. Glazed elements comprise integrated solar blinds, which when closed let the building appear as an austere box. The coloured louvers add a contrasting lively element. The double-skin façade also functions as a reversible solar control device and climatic buffer zone. When the blinds are fully opened, the façade cavity also functions as hot air extract and smoke extract for the supplementary escape route.
Drawings
Schematic sketch of building
Typical floor
Cross section
Longitudinal section
Perspective of façade components
Photos
Colour takes away the rigidity of the building volume and expresses its solitary character
Open stairs and galleries with lateral light slots admit daylight into the building and assist natural ventilation at night
Originally published in: Hardo Braun, Dieter Grömling, Research and Technology Buildings: A Design Manual, Birkhäuser, 2005.