Wooden building with pitched roof and lantern structure, surrounded by grass and bare trees.

A large wooden building with a pitched roof and a small lantern structure on top, surrounded by grass and bare trees.

Story

Precision and Simplicity in Agricultural Architecture The Grain Store at the Marbach State Stud, designed by a + r Architekten, the evolution of agricultural architecture. Situated on the Swabian Alb plateau, the building is a response to the destruction of the historical grain barn by fire in 2017. This new structure embodies a symbolic renewal of agricultural practices. The building's design is characterized by a meticulous alignment parallel to the estate's main access road. Measuring 37 meters in length, 21 meters in width, and just under 12 meters to the ridge, the structure creates a small forecourt that acts as a prelude to the ensemble of historical buildings. The interior is dictated by the logic of process, housing large storage boxes and silos, alongside a state-of-the-art control center. Constructed with a hybrid of reinforced concrete and timber, the building is both durable and ecologically sound. The façade, made from untreated Douglas fir, will weather naturally, blending with the surrounding historical structures. The pitched roof, clad in fiber cement corrugated sheets and photovoltaic panels, continues the anthracite color scheme, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic.

Design Highlights

Hybrid structure of reinforced concrete and timber for durability and ecological soundness. Façade of untreated Douglas fir that weathers to blend with historical surroundings. Pitched roof with integrated photovoltaic panels for energy efficiency. State-of-the-art control center for digital management of agricultural processes. Seamless integration into the landscape of the Swabian Alb.

Key Facts

Key Aspect Details
Location St. Johann, Swabian Alb, Germany
Architect a + r Architekten
Year Completed 2026
Structural System Reinforced Concrete and Timber
Roof Material Fiber Cement and Photovoltaic Panels

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Facade: Prefabricated, slightly inclined wall elements made from untreated Douglas fir.
  • Roof: Clad in fibre cement corrugated sheets with flush-integrated photovoltaic panels.

Materials

  • Concrete — Structural support and partial basement housing grain conveyor technology.
  • Timber — Hinged columns and façade elements.
  • Metal — Silos and machinery inside the facility.

Construction / Systems

  • Hybrid structure: Combination of reinforced concrete and timber for economical, durable, and ecologically sound construction.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: grey, anthracite
  • Lighting: Natural and functional

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