KNE Niederprüm (GER)

project new construction of operations premises and administrative building for KNE headquarters awarding authority Kommunale Netze Eifel–AöR, Prüm (GER) team WW+, Esch-sur-Alzette/Trier (LUX/GER), Werner Schaack, Trier (GER), HDK Dutt+Kist, Saarbrücken (GER), Ingenieurbüro Dieter Lohner, Trier (GER), Ingenieurbüro Weber, Gransdorf (GER) gfa 2.840 m² ufa 2.270 m² gv 10.715 m³ total area 2 ha net construction costs 2.450.000 € competition phase 09/2011 - 11/2011 restricted competition 2nd price comission based on negotiated procedure

Genius Loci – blending into the undulating Eifel landscape

The new construction of the operations premises and administrative building for the headquarters of the future-oriented company KNE represents – from an urban planning point of view – the important start of the upcoming expansion of the L11 commercial zone in Niederprüm. The distinct cubic building with its eye-catching length assertively blends into the steep terrain of the hilly landscape. The building forms a landmark in the natural setting, at the three-way junction of the B410 and the L11. The massive concrete base absorbs the ground slope and fits into the existing topography, connecting the two-storey administrative building and the operations premises separated by the depot yard. The building ensemble is characterised by a fronted vertical timber cladding and blends in well with the surrounding landscape. The exterior materiality captures the ecological vision of the company and reflects the landscape-influenced location of the building.