Lemgo

OWL University of Applied Sciences

New construction of the laboratory buildings at the Technical University in Lemgo

Architecturally sophisticated, technically precise

The laboratory building for the Life Science Technology department is laid out over two and three storeys, as well as a staggered storey. These levels house two lecture theatres equipped with media technology, communal areas, and a technical laboratory each for meat technology, protein-based foods, and bakery and confectionery technology. With its anthracite-coloured, highly insulated curtain wall façade, aesthetic exposed concrete walls up to 6.3 metres high and the impressive grid-patterned walls in the entrance area, the new building is architecturally extremely sophisticated.

The second building, housing the departments of Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, follows roughly the same design concept and features a compact layout comprising four levels with a split-level arrangement, plus a staggered storey. Here, students will in future be able to carry out load, vibration and acoustic tests, amongst other things. The building houses seminar and office spaces, a roller test bench, various engine test benches as well as an EMC measurement booth and a low-reflection room. In the foyer, the world’s oldest still-operational diesel engine, dating from 1903, takes pride of place.

Specialised interior fit-out requires a high level of coordination

Lean management was employed on this demanding project to avoid planning errors and establish efficient processes. The focus was on cooperation, transparency and ensuring the smoothest possible communication between all project stakeholders. The aim was to allocate resources according to need, keep costs under control and define responsibilities as well as communication channels at an early stage.

In particular, the coordination of the final interior construction, the commissioning of the mechanical engineering components and the calibration of the building services required careful coordination, as these are associated with heightened technical requirements in a laboratory building. Among other things, pipework for compressed air and special gases, DC busbars, as well as smoke and heat extraction, fire alarm and burglar alarm systems, as well as an extensive ventilation system were installed.

The particular diversity of the technical requirements called for bespoke solutions across almost all trades – ranging from high-quality exposed concrete surfaces and specialised testing and building services to complex installations within the laboratory facilities.