Design Concept

The design is driven by the site's unique role as a hinge between the historic city and the Textile and Industry Museum, using this pivotal urban position to shape a distinct circular, cylindrical form. This geometry acts as an urban signal—clear, recognizable, and directional—echoing the vertical landmarks that once defined Augsburg’s industrial skyline. The building becomes a contemporary gateway, guiding movement and sightlines while anchoring the surrounding urban fabric.

Timber is chosen as the primary structural and façade material, drawing a direct metaphorical link to the weaving processes that powered Augsburg’s 19th-century textile industry. The filigree expression of the façade reinforces this reference, creating a rhythmic, textile-like pattern that speaks to the city’s heritage. The circular form also enhances spatial fluidity and orientation, enabling seamless pedestrian connections while establishing the project as a new landmark in Augsburg’s peripheral center—one that bridges past and present through both materiality and symbolic form.

Concept diagram

Structure and Engineering

The Quatertower is conceptualized as a Timber High-rise where the entire construction, including the core, load-bearing components, floor slabs, and secondary elements, is made of wood. The exposed mass timber elements are detailed for fire-resistance, achieving compliance through engineered cross-sections and charring layers.

• Primary Structure: The entire construction utilizes Timber CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) for floor slabs and core elements.
• Tragsystem (Load-bearing System): The exterior wooden lattice (Diagrid) is a unique system that works with spiral elements to form a rigid torsional basket, ensuring an efficient and minimalist construction.
• Construction Method: Key static components are designed to allow off-site pre-assembly to improve construction speed and efficiency.

Elevations

Sustainability (Regeneration/Resilience)

The project defines itself through highly ambitious sustainability concepts, ranging from material selection to long-term energy strategy, striving for market-leading certifications. Passive design strategies, including façade optimization and thermal massing, are integrated to significantly reduce the operational energy demand.

The project aims for a low-cost construction that integrates passive solutions and smart technologies.

• Ecological Balance: The timber construction saves thousands of tons of co2 compared to conventional materials and naturally binds large amounts of carbon.
• Circular Economy: The building is designed to be a resource depot; materials can be recycled to a high quality for future generations.
• Energy Strategy: Utilizes ecological heating and cooling (Geothermal energy), regenerative electricity generation via Photovoltaic panels on the roof and facade, and features hybrid ventilation (basic ventilation combined with individually adjustable window ventilation).
• Certification: The project aims for the highest sustainability awards: DGNB Platin / BNB Gold.

Urban Integration and Spatial Experience

The circular geometry functions as a visible urban landmark and a crucial gateway between the historic Old Town and the TIM museum. Strategically located at a major traffic intersection, the tower proposes restoring a previously cut-off pedestrian connection via a public walkway developed along its main structure, thereby acting as a crucial urban bridge. The spatial experience begins with the open-plan café on the ground floor, which extends seamlessly into the landscaped park, establishing an immediate community meeting point. Furthermore, the flexible design and mixed-use program (office and modern living) ensure long-term viability and resilience, complemented by the integration of electromobility and a car-sharing concept.