Did you know that the Demonstrator-Hochhaus D1244 before you is no ordinary building? It is the world’s first full-size model for adaptive high-rise structures. This 36.5-meter-tall tower can independently adjust to changing environmental conditions.
The Demonstrator-Hochhaus D1244 is located on the University of Stuttgart’s campus. It was inaugurated in 2021. The International Building Exhibition 2027 supports the project. It aims to provide technological ideas for resource-saving construction methods.
Werner Sobek AG designed the Demonstrator-Hochhaus D1244. The building has twelve floors. Each floor is three meters high. The ground area is 5×5 meters. A stair tower provides access to the different floors.
The tower’s steel frame construction forms its support structure. Each unit supports three floors. Sensors are integrated into the framework and facade. These sensors activate actuators through intelligent controls. Hydraulic elements actively influence the support structure’s load transfer behavior. Devices also change the building’s light and heat intake.
The Collaborative Research Center SFB-1244 initiated the Demonstrator-Hochhaus D1244. Werner Sobek launched it in 2017. Fourteen University of Stuttgart institutes collaborate on this project. They explore how to create sufficient living space in an environmentally friendly and resource-saving manner. The goal is to maximize material and energy savings. They also want to increase user comfort. Researchers examine adaptive building envelopes and structures.
The Demonstrator-Hochhaus D1244 validates project ideas. The IBA’27 network has supported its construction since 2020. The project promotes resource-saving construction.
The building uses lightweight construction. Components are connected only at certain points. This reduces material use. It also allows for material separation and recycling at the end of its life.
The building reacts to different loads. Sensors and actuators control it. Sensors detect deformations caused by wind loads. Hydraulic elements counteract this force. They balance out the deformation. The support structure is designed to dampen or neutralize vibrations. The actuator system includes 24 hydraulic actuators. They can each apply up to 300 kN to the support structure. The high-rise support structure has 128 strain gauges. They measure the stress state of the support structure. An optical absolute measuring system also records deformations.
The Demonstrator-Hochhaus D1244 tests facades with specific properties. Each floor serves as a test module for a facade type. Hydroactive facades reduce urban heat. They also protect against flooding. Rainwater is collected and stored. It can be used as service water. It can also be returned to the facade on hot days. The water evaporates from the facade surface. The evaporation cools the rooms. This delayed release of rainwater also protects against flooding.
Kinetic envelopes adapt to light conditions. They improve interior lighting. These envelopes are textile sun protection elements. They fold and unfold based on light. They also reduce radiation in the urban space.
Photovoltaic facades use solar radiation for cooling purposes. This facade type improves the indoor climate.
The Demonstrator-Hochhaus D1244 provides technological ideas for resource-saving construction. Lightweight construction techniques are being tested here. They play a crucial role in sustainable building. The adaptive high-rise strengthens Stuttgart’s leading position in adaptive construction.