Kornhaus Ravensburg – Refurbishment of the Municipal Library

The objective of the architectural practice QWERTZ is to reveal the spatial qualities of the historic structure. Later additions will be removed wherever technically feasible in order to make the open hall structure with its timber columns and roof structure visible once again. To ensure a sustainable long term perspective, the ground floor will be transformed into a publicly accessible marketplace. The scheme includes the library reception area, a café, flexible foyer spaces and an event hall. A centrally positioned, independent insertion structures the space and creates new areas for meeting, staying and cultural participation.

The Kornhaus will be preserved in its historic form and refurbished in accordance with heritage requirements. The external appearance will remain unchanged. The massive outer shell with its thick wall sections offers inherent energy advantages. It acts as a thermal mass, balances temperature fluctuations and ensures a stable indoor climate throughout the year. Energy upgrades therefore focus on the interior. Windows will be renewed in line with heritage regulations and sections of internal plaster will be carefully repaired. The building will be connected to the district heating network and almost all floors will be equipped with underfloor heating. The result is an energy concept that combines historic fabric with contemporary building services technology.

Preserving the existing building fabric forms the basis of the project’s ecological quality. Through a reduced and carefully targeted use of materials, the ecological footprint is minimised and the overall building performance improved. Within the LNB system, the project achieves the maximum score in Category D Materials and Construction. All materials used are ecologically optimised and low in harmful substances. Existing components are reused wherever possible and recycled concrete is employed for new concrete elements. The result is a balanced refurbishment concept that is resource efficient, effective and in line with sustainable heritage conservation, placing the historic structure at the forefront.

LNB (Sustainable Building Guidelines)
Process and planning quality, ecological targets, economic efficiency, product management
180 out of 280 maximum

Energy and supply 278 out of 360 maximum
Ecological and energy performance of the building envelope

Health and comfort 120 out of 125 maximum
Thermal comfort, indoor air quality

Materials and construction 235 out of 235 maximum
Avoidance of critical substances, ecological quality of materials
Ecological Index of the total building mass OI3 95 points

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