Forschungsstation Traces

The house has a history: even before it was built in Kassel, it made a one-year "guest appearance" for the Bauhaus anniversary in Dessau. The project took up "The Growing House" by Bauhaus teacher Ludwig Hilberseimer from 1932 and served as a model for the self-build project. After all, 90 years ago, the avant-garde of the time was already propagating the economical use of resources by means of modular expandability and the use of wood. This history remained largely unknown, but as a temporary exhibit installed in the Unesco World Heritage Site in Dessau-Törten, the "Growing House" newly built by students attracted numerous visitors from all over the world. It then went on tour.

It underwent a transformation process for the new location in Kassel. Adjustments were made with regard to its use as a research station by the university and Traces. The location also required changes: The focus was particularly on the building's relationship to the outside space and vegetation, as Lutherplatz is a valuable inner-city green space. Although the house is only a temporary guest there, the climate resilience of the measure plays a central role. The aim was to consciously incorporate the green resources of the surrounding area and treat the leased building land with care. For this reason, the microclimatic conditions in and around the house were also integrated into the design process: The house was not only positioned so that it was easily accessible and visible, but also ideally shaded by trees. To avoid affecting their roots, the foundation consists of individual blocks that are only slightly embedded in the ground. No surfaces were sealed. Instead, there is an air space under the house. The collected roof water seeps away. The building envelope was given a plant trellis and a light-colored sheet metal roof that prevents heating. The measures were implemented in consultation with the environmental department of the city of Kassel. New tree species were also planted around the research station that can withstand longer periods of drought.

There are various connections to the outside space: On the west side by means of the barrier-free terrace, which is accessed via floor-to-ceiling doors. In summer, it serves as an outdoor podium and additional accessible connection between the two wings of the building. Floor-to-ceiling glazing on three front sides mediates between inside and outside. The glazed corner situation towards the city in particular refers to the public character of the research station.