the lausward power plant situated in düsseldorf’s harbour, has been supplying the city with climate-friendly electricity and district heat since the beginning of 2016. the natural gas station is an important milestone on the way to a carbon-neutral city, which the state capital is striving to achieve by 2050. the ambitious project which was first initiated as a european-wide competition – was won by architecture practice kadawittfeldarchitektur, who proposed a structural silhouette that would be visible from afar.

kadawittfeldarchitektur lausward power plant düsseldorf germany designboom
the natural gas station is an important milestone on the way to a carbon-neutral city
all images courtesy of jens kirchner

 

 

the new build is located on lausward – an area just south of the city at the bend of the river rhine, in immediate vicinity of the harbour. the largest frame element completing the building in the northeast, incorporates the power plant’s main stack – at approximately 63m, the highest peak within the grounds. visitors taking part in a guided tour can use a lift to reach an observation deck 45 metres above the ground. it is from here, through a glazed facade, that they can enjoy panoramic views south as far as cologne and north across the river to düsseldorf’s centre. 

kadawittfeldarchitektur lausward power plant düsseldorf germany designboom
visitors taking can use a lift to reach an observation deck 45 metres above the ground

 

 

 

the concept for the primary structure and the panels was adopted from standard power station constructions. the conventional appearance of the outer facade elements however, has been modified to enhance the protruding steel sheets that create a strong graphical impression upon the building. the structure of the large window includes a separate framework construction which is independent from the boiler house and the tower. the underside of the window’s roof and the side walls are clad with folded aluminium sheet lamellae which are designed to reflect the light at night and provide sufficient depth for the accommodation of smoke exhaust and ventilation ducts.

kadawittfeldarchitektur lausward power plant düsseldorf germany designboom
the concept for the primary structure and the panels was adopted from standard power station constructions

 

 

 

the rhythm of the exterior frames and the intermediate joints characterise the silhouette of the station, and in an abstract way convey the meaning of energy to the outside world. during the day, the interplay of frames and brackets ties the heterogeneous elements together creating a uniform appearance.

kadawittfeldarchitektur lausward power plant düsseldorf germany designboom
visitors can enjoy panoramic views south as far as cologne and north across the river to düsseldorf’s centre

kadawittfeldarchitektur interior lausward power plant düsseldorf germany designboom
the concept for the primary structure and the panels was adopted from standard power station constructions

kadawittfeldarchitektur lausward power plant düsseldorf germany designboom
the interplay of frames and brackets ties the heterogeneous elements together

kadawittfeldarchitektur night lausward power plant düsseldorf germany designboom
the underside of the window’s roof are designed to reflect the light at night

kadawittfeldarchitektur lausward power plant düsseldorf germany designboom
the intersections shine brightly at night

kadawittfeldarchitektur map lausward power plant düsseldorf germany designboom
the new build is located on lausward – an area just south of the city at the bend of the river rhine

kadawittfeldarchitektur design lausward power plant düsseldorf germany designboom
plan of the construction

lausward-power-plant-dusseldorf-germany-kadawittfeldarchitektur-designboom-01
plan of the tower construction 

 

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: hollie smith | designboom