Architecture / Jugendstil-Building / Energy Research Beacon
Energy research beacon // The energy consumption of museums is extremely high. For conservational reasons, the indoor climate must always remain constant. All useable areas must therefore be mechanically ventilated, heated or cooled, as well as humidified or dehumidified at all times. High energy consumption causes high costs. The example of the Kunsthalle Mannheim demonstrates how it is possible to significantly reduce operating costs while simultaneously maintaining the historical spatial structure of a listed building in a way that protects the architecture. The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) esteemed the innovative approach and supported the general refurbishment as a beacon project in energy research with 2.7 million euros.more
In advance, the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP) and the Institute for Building Services and Energy Design of the Technical University of Braunschweig (IGS) conducted an energetic building and facility analysis and drew up an energy concept. The challenge was to first install air supply and exhaust air units in all rooms. Despite the high technological requirements, the building was to be protected and retain its historical character. For reasons of monument protection, insulation of the historical outer facade was not feasible. The decision was made to carry out air conditioning as far as possible via the building envelope. The insulation in the interior space entailed a large number of highly innovative measures. Although the air-conditioned area is about twice as large following the general refurbishment, it can be presumed that the operating costs will remain almost the same. In comparison to 2009, around 10% of the operating costs can be saved annually after the refurbishment, amounting to 21,867 euros a year. In the area of energy (district heating and electricity), the building and installation engineering measures are forecast to save 25%. As a beacon project, the Kunsthalle plays a pioneering role. Therefore, operations will be metrologically monitored by scientists for a period of two years after the end of refurbishment. The insights gained in Mannheim are to be utilised in future refurbishment projects.