Over a three-year period beginning in 2022, what started out as a vision became a real, experimental, energy-efficient, and sustainable building – the »Bauhaus Energy Hub«. A total of 65 students from five degree programmes designed, planned, and implemented a walk-in Reallabor on campus at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. Covering just under ten square metres, the building is a prime example of how design, sustainable construction, innovative energy concepts, and resource-friendly materials can be combined. 

Constructed out of natural, renewable building materials, the Hub is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology. A photovoltaic system independently supplies the wooden structure with energy. Integrated sensor technology continuously records the indoor climate and material behaviour. This makes processes such as energy flow, climatic interactions, and system networks visible and permanently available for research and teaching. Through the Hub’s modular design, it can be taken apart and rebuilt, leaving room for future developments. The building uniquely exemplifies the experimental, future-focussed nature of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

The Building as a Learning Process

Based on the experiences of those involved, the book »Ein Experiment in Holz und Energie – Bauhaus Energy Hub« invites readers to consider new construction approaches. The book documents the planning and implementation of the Hub and also looks at the collaborative design and construction process. Texts by editors and authors are supplemented by guest contributions from the students and instructors involved in the project. The publication is aimed towards an audience with a professional interest as well as readers who may not have in-depth knowledge. Content is presented in a comprehensive and accessible way.

The Bauhaus Energy Hub is located in the courtyard of Coudraystraße 11 on campus at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. The building is open to the public during various events. The accompanying book is scheduled to be published on 19 January 2026 by the Bauhaus University Press and will be available in bookstores. The book will also be presented at the Leipzig Book Fair.

Book: »Ein Experiment in Holz und Energie – Bauhaus Energy Hub« (an experiment in wood and energy – Bauhaus Energy Hub)
Publisher: Lia Benetas, Conrad Völker 
Bauhaus University Press, 1st Edition 2026

With contributions from Alina Boës, Leona Drießlein, Anton Hillenbrand, Yara Hoffmann, Christopher Ludwig, Anneke Pastoor, Henrike Reichelt, and Thurid Rosebrock

From First Draft to Reallabor – Project Chronicle

SUMMER SEMESTER 2022 | PRELIMINARY WORK 
Preliminary study as part of »Entwurf des Bauhaus Urban Energy Hubs« Bachelor's thesis

WINTER SEMESTER 2022/2023 | PLANNING MODULE
Student Competition: Concept Development for the Bauhaus Energy Hub

SUMMER SEMESTER 2023 | IMPLEMENTATION PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Student Design, Implementation, and Cost Planning in the »Raumzelle«, »Exoskelett«, »Sponsoring«, »Nachhaltigkeit« Work Groups

26 October 2023 Topping-Out Ceremony

WINTER SEMESTER 2023/2024 | ENERGY CONCEPT PLANNING AND INTERIOR DESIGN
Implementation Planning for Energy Supply and Interior Design

SUMMER SEMESTER 2024 | ENERGY CONCEPT AND INTERIOR DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION
»Mobiliar«, »Innenausbau«, »Treppen«, and »Energie« Student Work Groups

SUMMER SEMESTER 2025 | FINALISATION AND PUBLICATION
Consolidation of Project Results in Student Work Group

Impressions of the construction process and further information can be found at: 
https://www.uni-weimar.de/de/bau-und-umwelt/professuren/bauphysik/lehre/lehrveranstaltungen/bauhaus-energy-hub/ 
https://www.instagram.com/bauhaus.hub/ 

Questions can be directed to Lia Benetas, Professorship of Building Physics, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, until the end of January 2026 by phone at +49 3643 584824 or e-mail at lia.benetas[at]uni-weimar.de.