HENN introduces world’s first carbon concrete building in dresden

HENN and TU Dresden radically rethink concrete reinforcement

HENN and the Technical University of Dresden have combined to radically rethink an essential architectural material, reinforced concrete. Named after the three C’s – Carbon, Concrete and Composite, the CUBE is the world’s first building to substitute steel and exclusively use non-metallic concrete reinforcement. On February 3 2022, a topping-out ceremony celebrated the completion of the 243-square-meter laboratory and event space on the TU Dresden campus, setting a precedent for architectural and structural innovation.

the cube is the world’s first building to substitute steel and exclusively use non-metallic concrete reinforcement

all images courtesy of Stefan Müller and Stefan Gröschel

Collaboration and innovation realizes the cube

The CUBE was developed in collaboration between Professor Manfred Curbach and his Institute for Solid Construction at the TU Dresden, and designers, architects, material performance experts, visualizers, and model builders from HENN. The project was a successful experiment in material science and innovative architecture, thanks to several technical tests that ran concurrently between both parties.

the 243-square-meter laboratory and event space sits on the TU Dresden University campus

HENN’s design for the CUBE uses carbon concrete to merge the ceiling and wall seamlessly, creating a single organic shape that reflects a future of environmentally-conscious design. The volume features a narrow opening that runs diagonally through it’s entirety and provides bright skylights throughout the space.

the cube uses carbon concrete to merge the ceiling and wall seamlessly, creating a singular organic shape

carbon concrete paves way for sustainable future

The CUBE is a showcase project for a larger program financed by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, which explores the potential applications of carbon concrete. Using this material could lead to more flexible and resource-saving construction processes while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 50%. By introducing The CUBE, HENN is making a significant contribution to physically realizing projects that use advanced future construction technologies.

the entire volume features a narrow opening that runs diagonally bright skylights throughout the space

project info:

name: The CUBE
concept architects: HENN
executive architects: AIB GmbH
client: Technical University Dresden
location: Dresden, Germany
area: 243 m2 (2616 sqft)
programme: event space, research laboratory

photography: Stefan Müller and Stefan Gröschel