Main content:
New main building for Leuphana University Lüneburg, Germany
Project participants:
Client: Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
Architect: Prof. Daniel Libeskind
Energy planner: Arup GmbH
Building data:
Building type: Public building
Location: Scharnhorststraße 1, 21335 Lüneburg
Gross floor area: 17.178 m²
Jurybewertung
"The new 14,000-m² main building for the university in Lüneberg is a significant step along the way to a CO2-neutral campus. The architectural approach, which lead to heated discussions among the jury, is part of the university’s brand image. With the modifications already carried out to the cubature and design, the plans represent an approach which will lead to an energy-optimised building. Although certain components of the energy supply should be reconsidered regarding their necessity and interaction with each other, the energy supply based on a biogas-driven CHP plant represents a good starting point for achieving CO2-neutral building operation."
Project_characterisation
Building concept
Leuphana University Lüneburg plans to achieve a climate-neutral campus at its Scharnhorststrasse location. The new main building is a key component of the “Sustainable University” research and development project. Leuphana University wishes to fulfil its role as a pioneer in sustainable energy use and point the way for others in the region and elsewhere in Germany.
Energy concept
The minimisation of the energy consumption arising due to infiltration and transmission heat losses is at the core of the energy-efficiency approach. For this reason, the first design steps included the goals of improved orientation and distribution of openings and an optimised A/V ratio compared to the current building structure.
Offices situated directly at facades will be naturally ventilated through the windows. Overnight cooling via selected, motor-operated window openings will benefit from the large thermal mass of the research centre. For multi-functional areas and those areas used for events, skylights are used to provide free cooling.
Internal rooms which cannot be ventilated naturally will be ventilated mechanically. The air-conditioning equipment is operated in combination with heat recovery and is very low-energy thanks to the use of frequency-commutated motors and of ducts with large cross-sectional areas. The design provides for concrete core temperature control, and all solid ceiling slabs play a role in heating and cooling.
Combined heat and power (CHP) generation is at the heart of the energy-efficiency technology, including use of excess heat for the building’s absorption cooling technology, buffer ‘storage’ of low temperatures in the sprinkler tank, the provision of the needs of other buildings on the campus, and heat storage in the ground which can be used to balance out seasonal fluctuations in demand.
Lighting is controlled based on the daylight situation and presence detection. Collected rainwater is used for flushing toilets and watering outdoor grounds. With the use of biogas in CHP and of geothermal and solar energy, the energy requirements are supplied entirely from renewable energy sources.