Central Depot of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation

The central depot for the foundation’s cultural goods was established near the main railway station in Potsdam and is to receive a sculpture depot in the second phase of construction. The repository supplements the foundation’s research and restoration centre, which is situated at the edge of the Sanssouci palace grounds. Under conditions set by conservationists, the foundation’s works are stored, cleaned in specialised facilities in the event of contamination and appropriated for exhibitions or scientific evaluations. The elongated functional building is located on the former site of the German National Railway’s repair workshop and joins the urbanistic ranks of the surrounding commercial buildings. Asymmetrical gabled roofs and narrow exhaust openings impart rhythm to the repository’s brick facade and lend the building a memorable form. To the street, the facade exhibits a vertically oriented metal cladding with a framed aperture, behind which the entrance area, delivery area and workspaces are located. Fins pick up the vertical pleating on the facade and unite the design elements into a balanced composition. The building, oriented toward passive house standards, is designed for a minimised expenditure of energy and low maintenance requirements. The concrete framework sustains massive ceilings and, depending on the area, 30-50 cm thick limestone infills, which ensure a stable temperature and moisture level.