Discover Stuttgart's Innovative Living Lab: A Model for Sustainable Architecture

Stuttgart 210 Living Lab Ingersheim Pilot Project

Completed in 2024 in Ingersheim, Germany, this project utilizes geometrically complex concrete formwork made from cross-laminated timber to create unique architectural features such as goblet supports, skylights, and arches for the new main railway station in Stuttgart. The Stuttgart 210 research initiative aims to upcycle these materials, allowing them to be reused in new constructions, thus enhancing sustainability in architecture.

The project includes four pilot living labs in Ingersheim, Marbach, Stuttgart, and Mannheim, where innovative technologies and materials can be tested in real-world conditions. The Ingersheim living lab serves as a community youth center by the Neckar River, featuring a sculptural design that integrates complex formwork elements with solid structural timber.

Community Involvement

This initiative has garnered significant community support, with over forty students from Stuttgart University participating in the construction process. The project also involved local businesses and volunteers, highlighting a collaborative approach to design and execution.

Unique Structural Features

The use of formwork elements from the Stuttgart railway station has led to a novel design process, prioritizing material reuse over traditional design methods. The resulting structure boasts a cross-shaped floor plan with a vaulted ceiling, large windows, and seating niches, creating an inviting atmosphere while protecting the internal structure from the elements.

The architectural design is not only functional but also visually striking, with an emphasis on natural materials and innovative construction techniques that challenge conventional practices.

Future Implications

This project is a significant step towards developing a legal framework for the reuse of building materials, setting a precedent for future sustainable architecture projects. The Stuttgart 210 initiative is paving the way for a circular economy in construction, demonstrating how innovative design can lead to both aesthetic and environmental benefits.