New laboratory building in Pillnitz: HTW Dresden relies on sustainability!

New laboratory building in Pillnitz: HTW Dresden relies on sustainability!

The University of Technology and Economy (HTW) in Dresden can look forward to an exciting new chapter. A modern laboratory and seminar building is built at the Pillnitz location, which should offer the students of the fields of the environment, agriculture and horticulture as well as scientific basics. The construction project, organized by the state-owned Saxon real estate and construction management (SIB), is significant because the existing laboratories no longer meet the required standards. According to sächsische.de Mountain and school path as well as the Pillnitzer Platz.

In order to find the best concept for the new building, an architectural competition was carried out that attracted a wide interest. The participating offices, including renowned architectural offices from Germany and Austria, submitted 18 designs. The decision was made on April 9, 2025: The draft of the Dresden office O+M Architects GmbH in cooperation with Lor landscape architects was awarded. In the jury there was great agreement on the advantages of the winning project, which was particularly convincing by the harmonious integration into the cultural and landscape of Pillnitz, as well as htw dresden reported.

architecture with foresight

With a usable area of around 1000 square meters, the future building will include modern laboratory rooms for molecular biology and soil science as well as apprenticeships for microscopy. The jury particularly praised the green roof areas and the use of wood, which underline the sustainable construction. The new building is even used integratively for the teaching company by being included in the curricula and rainwater use.

The institution will not only serve the students of the HTW, but will also act as a place for joint events as part of the “Green Forum Pillnitz”. This forum includes partners such as the Julius Kühn Institute, the State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology as well as the Pillnitz Castle and Park.

funding and awards

The entire project is funded as part of the "New European Bauhaus" initiative of the EU Commission. In addition, the project is aiming for BNB silver certification to reaffirm ecological and sustainable building. The focus on quality and contemporary planning is also supported by the possibility of applying to the German University Building Award, which is awarded every four years. Criteria such as a special building cultural quality and the responsible handling of existing building fabric are in the foreground, such as the

The completion of the new building is planned for mid -2028, and the HTW Dresden and everyone involved are looking forward to the positive impulses that this modern learning location will bring.