PIONIRA
PIONIRA

Komturei Werben
Werben, Germany
2023 - 2030

PIONIRA
* Title: Komturei Werben
* Address: Kirchplatz 6,8,9,10, 39615 Werben (Elbe)
* Year of construction: 2023 - 2030
* Thematic focus: ecological renovation and revitalisation

 * Project text: The Komturei Werben is a historically significant courtyard complex with gardens and several buildings in need of renovation in the town of Werben (Elbe).

The architectural collective OFEA Office for Ecological Architecture developed a proposal for the site and initiated a conceptual process with the town of Werben.

As OFED Office for Ecological Development, the architects acquired the site from the city on a conceptual basis. OFEA, OFED and the Johanniterkomturei Werben e.V. association, which was reactivated by the architects, are planning an ecological, post-fossil model project for living and working in the countryside.

The buildings were last used as an agricultural production co-operative (LPG), then stood empty for a long time and fell into disrepair. The aim of the project is for the site to become a shared public space in Werben in the future - for a wide variety of users from different generations.

 

PIONIRA
PIONIRA
PIONIRA

01 Why is this project particularly relevant for Pionira?

An ecological model project is being realised on the site. The Komturei is intended to make an active contribution to the regeneration of the climate and nature, but also to be reactivated as a lively part of the city after years of decay.

Existing buildings and the grey energy stored in them will be preserved as much as possible and building materials will be reused on site. New components or materials are installed in a reversible and unmixed manner so that they can later be recycled or reused.
Diffusion-open materials, building components with a high thermal mass and ecological insulation materials allow the buildings to regulate their temperature naturally. Conservatories, climate zones and transitional spaces enable generous living according to the seasons with lower energy requirements. Rooms and floor plans are designed to be open for use, so that changes of use or altered requirements are possible without energy-intensive conversions.

Buildings and the built environment provide an important habitat for plants and animals. The aim of the project is to promote and enable the cohabitation of all species. To this end, nesting boxes are integrated into all buildings. Wherever possible, green façades and roofs are planned. Outside, differentiated habitats such as natural ponds and deadwood areas will be created.
In order to promote the mobility of users and residents and create a connection to the nearest railway station, a communal e-mobility service will be initiated.

PIONIRA
PIONIRA
PIONIRA
PIONIRA
PIONIRA

02 What have you learned from the project? What challenges did you encounter, and how did you solve them?

We have learnt that political support and the involvement and information of politicians and residents is very important. To this end, we speak regularly with the city councillors. We have presented our project there several times. There are also regular meetings with the mayors of the city and the municipality. We also organise regular events where we present the plans and provide information on the status of the project (Tor Auf#).

The uses for the buildings were developed in collaboration with the city council, such as assisted living for older people in the Langstall. There is already a waiting list of interested parties and a local foundation that will look after the building and its residents.
We have also learnt that the bureaucratic processes, particularly for permits and funding, are very complicated. It has helped a lot to have the political support of the state of Sachsen-Anhalt and to work closely with the state administration office - to support the small town with the complicated processes. 

PIONIRA

03 What advice could you provide, based on the project? What guidance would to pass on to others? 

We would advise other architects that the most exciting, ecological and social projects can be those that architects initiate themselves. In our view, this is a great opportunity for architects to realise good examples, promote ecological transformation and make a contribution to a better world.

To do this, it is very important to have local and political support for any project and to be very familiar with the bureaucratic processes. It's important to be able to deal with bureaucracy. Bureaucracy can also be cool.

04 How would you like to build in the future? 

Ecologically and politically on self-initiated projects

Name: Komturei Werben
Location: Werben, Germany
Text and images by: Ofea.eu
Type: Places
 
Posted: Feburary 2024
Categories: crafts, germany, reuse, rural future

Related Stories

Komturei Werben
Werben, Germany
2023 - 2030

PIONIRA
* Title: Komturei Werben
* Address: Kirchplatz 6,8,9,10, 39615 Werben (Elbe)
* Year of construction: 2023 - 2030
* Thematic focus: ecological renovation and revitalisation

 * Project text: The Komturei Werben is a historically significant courtyard complex with gardens and several buildings in need of renovation in the town of Werben (Elbe).

The architectural collective OFEA Office for Ecological Architecture developed a proposal for the site and initiated a conceptual process with the town of Werben.

As OFED Office for Ecological Development, the architects acquired the site from the city on a conceptual basis. OFEA, OFED and the Johanniterkomturei Werben e.V. association, which was reactivated by the architects, are planning an ecological, post-fossil model project for living and working in the countryside.

The buildings were last used as an agricultural production co-operative (LPG), then stood empty for a long time and fell into disrepair. The aim of the project is for the site to become a shared public space in Werben in the future - for a wide variety of users from different generations.

 

PIONIRA
PIONIRA
PIONIRA

01 Why is this project particularly relevant for Pionira?

An ecological model project is being realised on the site. The Komturei is intended to make an active contribution to the regeneration of the climate and nature, but also to be reactivated as a lively part of the city after years of decay.

Existing buildings and the grey energy stored in them will be preserved as much as possible and building materials will be reused on site. New components or materials are installed in a reversible and unmixed manner so that they can later be recycled or reused.
Diffusion-open materials, building components with a high thermal mass and ecological insulation materials allow the buildings to regulate their temperature naturally. Conservatories, climate zones and transitional spaces enable generous living according to the seasons with lower energy requirements. Rooms and floor plans are designed to be open for use, so that changes of use or altered requirements are possible without energy-intensive conversions.

Buildings and the built environment provide an important habitat for plants and animals. The aim of the project is to promote and enable the cohabitation of all species. To this end, nesting boxes are integrated into all buildings. Wherever possible, green façades and roofs are planned. Outside, differentiated habitats such as natural ponds and deadwood areas will be created.
In order to promote the mobility of users and residents and create a connection to the nearest railway station, a communal e-mobility service will be initiated.

PIONIRA
PIONIRA
PIONIRA
PIONIRA
PIONIRA

02 What have you learned from the project? What challenges did you encounter, and how did you solve them?

We have learnt that political support and the involvement and information of politicians and residents is very important. To this end, we speak regularly with the city councillors. We have presented our project there several times. There are also regular meetings with the mayors of the city and the municipality. We also organise regular events where we present the plans and provide information on the status of the project (Tor Auf#).

The uses for the buildings were developed in collaboration with the city council, such as assisted living for older people in the Langstall. There is already a waiting list of interested parties and a local foundation that will look after the building and its residents.
We have also learnt that the bureaucratic processes, particularly for permits and funding, are very complicated. It has helped a lot to have the political support of the state of Sachsen-Anhalt and to work closely with the state administration office - to support the small town with the complicated processes. 

PIONIRA

03 What advice could you provide, based on the project? What guidance would to pass on to others? 

We would advise other architects that the most exciting, ecological and social projects can be those that architects initiate themselves. In our view, this is a great opportunity for architects to realise good examples, promote ecological transformation and make a contribution to a better world.

To do this, it is very important to have local and political support for any project and to be very familiar with the bureaucratic processes. It's important to be able to deal with bureaucracy. Bureaucracy can also be cool.

04 How would you like to build in the future? 

Ecologically and politically on self-initiated projects

Name: Komturei Werben
Location: Werben, Germany
Text and images by: Ofea.eu
Type: Places
 
Posted: Feburary 2024
Categories: crafts, germany, reuse, rural future

Related Stories