Partner and PartnerPartner und Partner

Transparency and a green image

2022

With its timber hybrid building, Volksbank Chemnitz is setting a benchmark for its new, green identity at the entrance to the traditional mining town of Aue in the Ore Mountains. The ecologically designed bank branch serves as an example of climate-friendly architecture for the future. Local companies were involved in the planning and construction to strengthen the region and contribute to the transition to a green economy.

Two separate buildings were constructed to house a new bank branch and a notary's office. A new, accessible bridge connects the buildings, regulating pedestrian traffic on the sloping site. The parking spaces of the adjacent football stadium were preserved thanks to the buildings' elevated design.

A spacious atrium forms the center of each building. Acting as a green lung, it allows for natural light and ventilation, thus eliminating the need for resource-intensive mechanical air conditioning. The opening of all common areas to the atrium emphasizes transparency and creates a clear spatial organization of the interiors. The load-bearing structure of the upper floor is largely constructed of wood.

The moisture-regulating properties of the exposed wood surfaces improve the indoor climate. At the client's request, reinforced concrete walls were used on the ground floor.

Project Details

Client
Volksbank Chemnitz
Category
Volksbankfiliale und Notariat
Gross floor area
1850 m²
Completion
09.2025
Team
Ricarda Hartmann, Timo Voßhagen, Oskar Ellwanger, Andreas Wendt,Stefan Unger
Structural engineering
ZRS | Berlin
Energy concept
ee concept, Darmstadt
Fire safety
Brandkontrolle Andreas Flock
Timber construction
Fa. Terhalle Holzbau GmbH
Interior designer
Entenza GmbH und Trommler Werbung & Objekteinrichtung GmbH
Landscaping
sLandArt, Chemnitz
Construction management
Peter Fritzsche, Fritzsche building renovation
Photos
Jan Rottler