Renewable energy and the utilization of biomass are crucial elements to the sustainable energy supply of the future. Using biomass on a local and regional scale is beneficial for all participants as it is environment friendly and it creates jobs and improves the quality of the region.
Thinking ecologically inspires people to use renewable energy sources with respect for the local environment. The Biomass Heating Plant built by the Archabbey is a significant indicator of this progressive thinking.
The buildings of the Abbey’s manor are located alongside the horticulture and lavender fields, south of the Botanical Gardens. The Biomass Heating Plant was built in the place of the former wood shop, bordering the manor courtyard on the south-west side.
The Biomass Heating Plant was designed as an analogy of barns - widely used structures in rural architecture. A clear structural and architectural hierarchy was created to house a technological purpose. Its simple shape and the use of materials imply the architectural appearance of granaries.
The new building consists of two parts: the storage area, where wood waste of a nearby forestry is dried and stored and the machine room, located underground, where the heating energy is generated.
The aim that tourists and guests could visit the plant played an important role during the design process. Visitors are allowed to enter a display gallery where they can observe the amchinery at work. There is also a projection screen where a film is shown to guests to explain how the plant operates.
In addition to the heating system, solar panels are installed on the flat roof of the building to create electricity in an environment friendly way.
The appearance of the building is based on two materials: the concrete base and the wooden lamella system above. (architects' text)