19-10-2015

Der Kobel. Architecture driving the landscape.

Nature and architecture - often seen as a dichotomy - actually blend together harmoniously in this concrete refuge along a scenic trail near Würzburg, Germany.



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Der Kobel. Architecture driving the landscape. Nature and architecture - often seen as a dichotomy - actually blend together harmoniously in this concrete refuge along a scenic trail near Würzburg, Germany. A project by architectural firm Hofmann Keicher Ring Architekten.



We've already seen the use of architecture to drive the landscape, in Norway with Nasional Turistveger (link). Another particularly successful project, which is giving the whole world a lesson is located near Würzburg in the region of Franconia, Germany, where architect Jochen Hofmann from Hofmann Keicher Ring Architekten has created a very special refuge.



The shape is explained by the German name of the project, “Kobel” meaning den and in actual fact the structure's organic shape references this concept, just on a larger scale (suffice it to say that the architect got the idea in the kitchen, while peeling potatoes and he created the first model of the building using half a potato skin!). 





The refuge is 8 metres by 8, the highest point is 3.40 metres, and it has a total area of 45 square meters, offering space for some 50 people. 
The sandblasted concrete structure is formed of two open half-shells coupled together and three sides are covered by the land. Inside it is fitted with an oak bench, a skylight and a round centre table in Corten steel. By opting for materials that tend to change the way they look as they age the architect aimed to further improve the engagement between topography and architecture.



The refuge concept is to act as a starting and arrival point for the ecological trail of the Municipality of Rimpar north of Würzburg to discover local vineyards and is also designed to be the icon of territorial communication.
Jochen Hofmann's den underscores the importance of knowing the landscape and natural environment for an architectural structure with a harmonious response that gives users that extra value.

Christiane Bürklein

Project: Jochen Hofmann - Hofmann Keicher Ring Architekten
Client: Municipality of Rimpar, Germany
Year: 2015
Photography: Courtesy of Beton.org

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