Brainergy Hub in Jülich

On August 19, the symbolic start of construction for the Brainergy Hub in Brainergy Park Jülich was celebrated – with the laying of the foundation stone by Hendrik Wüst, Minister-President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. HENN’s design for the striking circular timber-hybrid building was selected as the winner of an architectural competition back in 2021. Completion is scheduled for 2027.

The Brainergy Hub project is the centerpiece of a new innovation park for companies and start-ups dedicated to sustainable and renewable energy research, bioeconomy and digitalization. The new build functions as a social knowledge hub for Brainergy Park, embodying the transition to renewable energy and a green future. It is a pioneering example of modular timber-hybrid construction, making innovative use of materials, forms, and energy-efficient technologies.

“The foundation stone we are laying today signals a new beginning – for the region, the country, and for future generations. We are creating space for innovation, climate-friendly technologies, and sustainable prosperity,” said Minister-President Hendrik Wüst at the event.

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Hoffschmidt, Managing Director of Brainergy Park Jülich GmbH, added:
“With the Brainergy Park, we are not just creating spaces – we are creating opportunities: for new ideas, new startups, sustainable growth, and tangible innovation. The Hub will become a landmark for change and a visible symbol of successful transformation at the local level.”

Set within a vibrant park, the Hub is embedded in a diverse natural biotope that helps moderate the urban microclimate and mitigate the heat island effects of the surrounding buildings. A newly created lake serves as a retention basin for stormwater runoff from the broader site.
Its circular shape makes Brainergy Hub omnidirectional and links it to all neighboring buildings. Inside this circle, modular units form a pixelated cloud, which is enclosed by three rings of balconies on the upper floors. This structure allows for easy subdivision and a playful arrangement of interior and exterior spaces. The highly rational grid is accentuated by a large central atrium and four smaller courtyards that vary from double height to triple height, providing fresh air and daylight to employees throughout the building. The façade integrates innovative ‘breathing’ ventilation units that ensure high indoor air quality, heat recovery, and improved comfort.

Brainergy Hub uses a hybrid structure of timber and reinforced concrete demonstrating the potential of natural, low-carbon construction materials. Wooden columns and beams are intentionally left visible. Together with the interior wood paneling, they create a warm, natural atmosphere. At the same time, the interior design leaves its distinct mark using bold colors and large-scale typography.

Throughout the design and planning process, the carbon footprint of the project was calculated and assessed in respect of both embodied and operational carbon. This data informed design decisions to keep the building’s environmental impact as low as possible.