Starnberg District Office Extension by Auer Weber: A Modern Architectural Landmark

For over 35 years, the Starnberg District Office has stood as a recognizable symbol of modern public architecture, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese design principles. Designed by Auer Weber, the original building seamlessly blended functionality with openness, creating a welcoming atmosphere for citizens. With the recent expansion project, the challenge was to preserve its architectural identity while incorporating contemporary sustainable building technologies and energy-efficient solutions.

Blending the Past with the Present

One of the primary goals of the Starnberg District Office extension was to maintain continuity with the original structure while meeting modern energy efficiency standards and fire safety regulations. The new design respects the building’s legacy, integrating advanced structural engineering solutions to handle increased loads while maintaining the familiar aesthetic of the existing complex.

Strategic Site Integration

Located in the southwestern area of the site, the new extension preserves public access routes from Münchner Straße to the lake promenade. The design continues the west-side comb-like structural rhythm, ensuring a seamless transition between the existing building and the new architectural addition. This thoughtful approach also harmonizes with the neighboring residential developments, reinforcing the urban fabric of Starnberg.

Sustainable Courtyard and Rainwater Management

The extension introduces an open courtyard structure on the east side, forming a well-proportioned space alongside the youth center and the three-story meeting wing. The western courtyards play a crucial role in rainwater management, incorporating permeable surfaces, native plants, and landscaped retention areas to enhance natural water infiltration. This eco-conscious design reflects the project’s commitment to green architecture and biodiversity preservation.

Flexible and Efficient Office Spaces

Mirroring the 1.2-meter modular grid system of the original structure, the extension ensures adaptability for future needs. The office layout features 4.8-meter axial widths, allowing spaces to function as either single or double offices with integrated meeting areas. This modular office design enhances long-term usability, aligning with sustainable workplace trends.

Advanced Building Technologies for Energy Efficiency

The high-performance façade integrates triple-glazed windows and external sun protection, optimizing thermal efficiency and daylight utilization. A reinforced concrete composite ceiling (Holorib system) enhances structural efficiency while enabling LED lighting and electrical installations to be seamlessly embedded.

A groundwater heat pump, powered by a 250 kWp photovoltaic system, delivers CO2-free heating and cooling, reducing the building’s carbon footprint. The photovoltaic system produces more energy than the facility consumes, allowing surplus electricity to be fed into the grid. This exceptional energy strategy has enabled the project to exceed Germany’s legal energy-saving standards, achieving a KfW 55 efficiency rating.

Architectural Evolution: Subtle but Significant

While respecting the original design, the extension introduces refined architectural details that differentiate it from its predecessor. Subtle changes in corridor walls, glass railings, and façade elements mark a contemporary evolution of the building’s identity. These refinements showcase a sophisticated balance between historical continuity and modern innovation, setting a new benchmark for public administration buildings.

The Starnberg District Office extension by Auer Weber successfully bridges architectural heritage with sustainable innovation. By integrating energy-efficient materials, flexible workspaces, and eco-conscious landscaping, the project not only enhances public engagement but also establishes a forward-thinking model for modern government architecture.

All Photographs are works of Aldo Amoretti