In 1943, an anti-aircraft bunker was constructed by the Nazis in Hamburg, Germany. Some 70 years later, the structure is supplying power to more than 4,000 homes in the area.
Utility company Hamburg Energie partnered with IBA Hamburg to transform the building. The new "Energy Bunker" is already producing energy for the local community and will eventually provide heating to 3,000 homes and electricity to 1,000 others.
The anti-aircraft bunker had gun turrets to fend off Allied attacks, but also sheltered local people inside during air raids. At the end of WWII, the British wanted to destroy the building entirely, but demolishing the thick concrete walls likely would have damaged surrounding buildings. Instead, the British did away with most of the interior and left the exterior alone. The building remained this way for over 60 years, according to gizmag.
The original planning for the plant began in 2006, with actual renovation beginning in 2011. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Hamburg Climate Protection Concept, the project came to approximately $36 million.
A 2 million-liter water reservoir plugs into the existing Reiherstieg heating network and will serve as a heat store for the plant. The plant features multiple heat sources: a biomass power plant; woodchip burning unit, which feeds into a large boiler; a solar thermal array located on the roof of the bunker; and waste heat from a nearby industrial plant.
To produce electricity, a photovoltaic system is installed on the building's southern facade; the wood burning unit that heats the reservoir doubles as an electricity-producing unit. The energy output is kept steady by a peak-load boiler and battery array.
In addition to the power plant, the building also includes a war memorial, cafe, and visitor's center.
Related Stories
Green | Jun 22, 2022
World’s largest commercial Living Building opens in Portland, Ore.
The world’s largest commercial Living Building recently opened in Portland, Ore.
Codes and Standards | Jun 14, 2022
Hospitals’ fossil fuel use trending downward, but electricity use isn’t declining as much
The 2021 Hospital Energy and Water Benchmarking Survey by Grumman|Butkus Associates found that U.S. hospitals’ use of fossil fuels is declining since the inception of the annual survey 25 years ago, but electricity use is dipping more slowly.
Energy-Efficient Design | May 19, 2022
Shipping containers used to build Research Triangle Park’s first community gathering space
Shipping containers were the prominent building material used to construct Boxyard RTP, the first public community and gathering place in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park (RTP).
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2022
JLL launches non-profit aiming to mitigate climate change
Real estate and investment management firm JLL recently launched JLL Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to making a long-term impact on environmental sustainability.
Headquarters | May 10, 2022
JPMorgan Chase’s new all-electric headquarters to have net-zero operational emissions
JPMorgan Chase’s recently unveiled plans for its new global headquarters building in New York City that is rife with impressive sustainability credentials.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 5, 2022
Designing with architectural insulated metal wall panels
Insulated metal wall panels (IMPs) offer a sleek, modern, and lightweight envelope system that is highly customizable. This continuing education course explores the characteristics of insulated metal wall panels, including how they can offer a six-in-one design solution. Discussions also include design options, installation processes, code compliance, sustainability, and available warranties.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 3, 2022
For glass openings, how big is too big?
Advances in glazing materials and glass building systems offer a seemingly unlimited horizon for not only glass performance, but also for the size and extent of these light, transparent forms. Both for enclosures and for indoor environments, novel products and assemblies allow for more glass and less opaque structure—often in places that previously limited their use.
Architects | Apr 22, 2022
Top 10 green building projects for 2022
The American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Environment (COTE) has announced its COTE Top Ten Awards for significant achievements in advancing climate action.
Energy-Efficient Design | Apr 19, 2022
A prefab second skin can make old apartments net zero
A German startup is offering a new way for old buildings to potentially reach net-zero status: adding a prefabricated second skin.
Legislation | Apr 11, 2022
Dept. of Energy releases RFI for K-12 schools energy upgrade program
The U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) released a Request for Information (RFI) to help decide how best to spend $500 million from the recently passed federal infrastructure law for K-12 public school energy upgrades.