kadawittfeldarchitektur's lausward power plant in düsseldorf contains a structural facade

the lausward power plant situated in düsseldorf’s harbour, has been supplying the city with climate-friendly electricity and district heat since the beginning of 2016. the natural gas station is an important milestone on the way to a carbon-neutral city, which the state capital is striving to achieve by 2050. the ambitious project which was first initiated as a european-wide competition – was won by architecture practice kadawittfeldarchitektur, who proposed a structural silhouette that would be visible from afar.

the natural gas station is an important milestone on the way to a carbon-neutral city
all images courtesy of jens kirchner

the new build is located on lausward – an area just south of the city at the bend of the river rhine, in immediate vicinity of the harbour. the largest frame element completing the building in the northeast, incorporates the power plant’s main stack – at approximately 63m, the highest peak within the grounds. visitors taking part in a guided tour can use a lift to reach an observation deck 45 metres above the ground. it is from here, through a glazed facade, that they can enjoy panoramic views south as far as cologne and north across the river to düsseldorf’s centre. 

visitors taking can use a lift to reach an observation deck 45 metres above the ground

the concept for the primary structure and the panels was adopted from standard power station constructions. the conventional appearance of the outer facade elements however, has been modified to enhance the protruding steel sheets that create a strong graphical impression upon the building. the structure of the large window includes a separate framework construction which is independent from the boiler house and the tower. the underside of the window’s roof and the side walls are clad with folded aluminium sheet lamellae which are designed to reflect the light at night and provide sufficient depth for the accommodation of smoke exhaust and ventilation ducts.

the concept for the primary structure and the panels was adopted from standard power station constructions

the rhythm of the exterior frames and the intermediate joints characterise the silhouette of the station, and in an abstract way convey the meaning of energy to the outside world. during the day, the interplay of frames and brackets ties the heterogeneous elements together creating a uniform appearance.

visitors can enjoy panoramic views south as far as cologne and north across the river to düsseldorf’s centre

the concept for the primary structure and the panels was adopted from standard power station constructions

the interplay of frames and brackets ties the heterogeneous elements together

the underside of the window’s roof are designed to reflect the light at night

the intersections shine brightly at night

the new build is located on lausward – an area just south of the city at the bend of the river rhine

plan of the construction

plan of the tower construction 

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edited by: hollie smith | designboom