Its façade resembles a wall stuck with cards. Startblock B2 Chociebuz was built in 2022. It is a modern facility designed to educate about ecology and energy transition. The building’s existence is significant because of the history of the region, which developed its economy based on the use of coal as an energy source.
As the Lausitz region adapts to the end of the coal era, there is a need to create the conditions for the development of innovative technologies and creative initiatives. Startblock B2, the Regional Start-up Centre, is being established as a response to these challenges. It aims to integrate academia, the local community and entrepreneurs, creating a space for the exchange of ideas, experimentation and collaboration. With a modern approach, the building aims to be a boost for the entire region, offering a place where new ventures can germinate and flourish.
Modern design
The architects of Startblock B2 opted to design with the future in mind. The building was constructed using hybrid wood construction technology, which is not only environmentally friendly, but also an awe-inspiring solution. The prefabricated timber façade, which combines the heavy concrete core of the building with a light, dynamic outer shell, symbolises the balance between tradition and modernity. The use of low-impact materials, optimised construction methods and energy-saving systems – including manual night ventilation – show that the future is to be sustainable and thoughtful from the very foundation.
Building for the people
An area has been designated on the ground floor of the building that provides a bridge of sorts between the users of the building and the local community and academia. With its large glass openings, the building creates spatial continuity with the nearby public square, where the historic ‘Fountain of Peace’ is located. Thoughtful elements, such as fabric blinds that act as canopies, extend the interior outwards, allowing private as well as public events to coexist harmoniously. The focal point of this space is the multifunctional foyer, which serves simultaneously as a reception area, workspace, lounge with café, as well as a rest area and event venue. The difference in levels between the entrance and the FabLab zone creates a natural arena for informal presentations, enabling spontaneous meetings and the exchange of ideas.
Multi-layer façade
The Startblock B2 façade is designed as a multi-layer structure. The internal heavy concrete structure provides a solid base, while the lightness achieved by the prefabricated wooden curtain wall façade gives the building a dynamic character. Also embedded on the outside are lightweight textile curtain elements, stretched over steel frames, which not only protect the interiors from excessive sunlight, but also create a translucent screen to allow visibility from within. As a result, the building appears as a dynamic sculpture whose appearance reflects the spirit of modern start-up culture, in which transparency and openness are key.
Modern workspace
Startblock B2 is not only an architectural landmark of the city, but above all an incubator for ideas and workplaces. The diverse office spaces have been designed with flexibility in mind – from open coworking spaces to spaces for small teams to individual offices. The building also features numerous meeting rooms, kitchens and relaxation areas that encourage spontaneous discussions and creative brainstorming. The top floor houses a spacious conference room with a terrace, while the basement has been designed with naturally lit workshop rooms – spaces where both formal symposia and informal presentations of ideas are possible. An additional feature is the large ramp leading to the workshop courtyard, which turns into an open cinema on warm evenings, fostering cultural gatherings.
The interior space of the building reflects the character of a place where creation and experimentation are the order of the day. The raw, exposed concrete surfaces emphasise the industrial character, while visible installations – metal doors, peripheral fences, stair and ventilation grilles – become an integral part of the composition. This approach demonstrates that change is inherent in the building’s foundations – the flexible design allows for easy modification and adaptation to the changing needs of users. The wooden panels placed at the inner part of the façade provide a subtle accent, combining functionality with aesthetics and emphasising the workshop atmosphere characteristic of Startblock B2.
Local colours
A key element that completes the overall design is the thoughtful colour concept inspired by the coats of arms of the city of Cottbus and Brandenburg. The main colours – white (shades of light silver) and red – have been given a new interpretation. Shades ranging from light silver to grey to black blend perfectly with the rawness of the concrete to create a calm aura in the working areas. In the public areas, on the other hand, a spectrum of reds reigns supreme – from intense orange to various shades of red to deep burgundy purple – which not only lends warmth to the interiors, but also promotes spatial orientation on the different levels of the building. This carefully considered colour palette supports the visual identity and highlights the cultural heritage of the region.
design: Bernd Huckriede, Jens Brinkmann (United Architektur), Ludwig Heimbach (ludwig heimbach architektur)
photography: Kay Fingerle
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