Fraunhofer-Projektzentrum für Energiespeicher und Systeme ZESS

Braunschweig, Germany

Visualization © Telluride Architektur | Image: B&BT

Research Facilities

Architects: Telluride Architektur

Location: Bienroder Weg 54 E, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany
Year: 2024
Client: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V.

A new center for mobile and stationary energy storage systems is being built in Braunschweig for the renowned Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft with 72 research institutes and over 26,000 employees in Germany. The overarching goal of the interdisciplinary research facility for three institutes in cooperation with the Technical University of Braunschweig is to develop system solutions for batteries and fuel cells in the field of electromobility as well as for stationary storage systems as part of the energy transition.

In the competition with four other offices, we were able to score points with the idea of reducing CO² emissions during the construction of the building by using the timber construction method we proposed and helping to recultivate the site between the airfield and the highway.

In addition to office space, the new center will primarily feature chemical laboratories, pilot plants and drying rooms with a maximum relative humidity of 10%. The single-story wooden building structure with approx. 6000 m² and a flexible expansion structure can easily respond to future requirements. The offices are networked as a cluster with the laboratories. The building is thus optimized in terms of routes and at the same time encourages communication.

The ZESS exists as a research network since the beginning of 2019 and was temporarily housed in buildings of the industrial park "Braunschweig Research Airport".