bavarian 'rapunzel' visitor center is inspired by the german fairytale

architecture by haascookzemmrich studio2050

With a floating roof and a ‘braided’ spiral stair, this Rapunzel Visitor Center opens in Bavaria. The ‘walk-in sculpture’ was designed by German architecture firm haascookzemmrich STUDIO2050 for the organic food producer Rapunzel Naturkost. It marks a welcoming threshold to the company’s campus where visitors are welcomed to discover the meaning of its leitmotif, ‘We make organic out of love.’

The timber project stands as a contemporary translation of the familiar fairytale from which the company takes its name. The ‘Rapunzel Tower’ rises from the landscaped ‘fairytale garden’ which extends onto the gestural shingle roof.

images © Roland Halbe | @rolandhalbe

a place to discover sustainable practices

With its Rapunzel World visitor center, haascookzemmrich STUDIO2050 formalizes the company’s philosophy, and creates a place of discovery. Inside, an exhibition teaches visitors about cultivation, fair trade, and production while interactive stations educate on sustainable living. A coffee roastery is open for viewers to observe the roasting and processing, and to enjoy the coffee’s wonderful smell. The building further hosts a bakery and an organic market, along with training rooms and a yoga studio.

The architects note the central spiral staircase, which is built to symbolize Rapunzel’s braid. This element connects all levels of the building, from the wine cellar to the roof terrace with its panoramic views. While this spiral stair is an obvious reference, the team includes more subtle nods to the fairytale — these include copper downpipes of interlocking pots, and the playfully offset shingles which wrap the floating roof.

the floating roof only briefly reaches the ground beneath the tower

the architecture reflects the philosophies of the client

The team at haascookzemmrich STUDIO2050 notes that as the architecture reflects the spirit of the program, the Rapunzel visitor center is built with sustainable practices: ‘We have also committed ourselves to this principle of an ecological circular economy in the architecture of the Rapunzel World,’ says the group. ‘Natural and renewable building materials such as wood and clay were used and the building services were reduced to a necessary minimum.’

Thus, the construction makes use of recycled foam glass gravel insulation, rather than standard styrofoam. All materials, colors and coatings are mineral and ecologically carefully selected. Air conditioning is reduced to a minimum as the interiors are cooled with passive strategies. The architects continue: ‘Here we used what nature provides us with as a microclimate on site to build a robust and therefore durable house that works with nature and not against nature.‘

dormer windows ensure targeted views and natural lighting of the upper floors