by mono architekten invites travelers to rest on the Thuringian plains
On the historic Thuringian plains, Germany, MONO Architekten creates a peaceful rest stop for travelers integrated with an educational center celebrating a nearby Bronze Age burial mound. Leubinger Fürstenhügel service station wrapped in corrugated cardboard aluminum unites architecture, landscape and history with an exhibition tour that connects guests and refueling facilities to one of the most important archaeological monuments of the same name in the region.
Bringing together its unexpected mix of uses and lying discreetly amid their context, the architects designed two elongated gabled wings that blend smoothly into the gently undulating landscape. Reminiscent of a nearby Bronze Age longhouse, the form accommodates all the functional components of the service area and display under its first wing. The second wing, oriented orthogonally to the road, extends over the gas station. Connecting the two is a gabled roof that folds several times and rises slowly to the ridge line of the longhouse.
all images © MONO Architekten / Gregor Schmidt unless otherwise noted
uniting history, landscape and architecture
Putting together its unexpected mix of uses and lying discreetly amidst its context, the MONO Architekten team has he devised two elongated gabled wings that blend smoothly into the gently undulating landscape. Reminiscent of a nearby Bronze Age longhouse, the form accommodates all the functional components of the service area and display under its first wing. The second wing, oriented orthogonally to the road, extends over the gas station. Connecting the two is a gabled roof that folds several times and rises slowly to the ridge line of the longhouse.
As travelers stop to rest or recharge on their journeys, the service station encourages them to stay, take in the surrounding views and learn more about the region’s rich history. The educational trail connects architecture and landscape, represented as a timeline that takes visitors back in time through historical events and archaeological finds, concluding with Leubinger Fürstenhügel’s own burial mound. The entrance to the site is marked by a large pillarless gabled roof that frames the view as you approach.
Leubinger Fürstenhügel service station
In the east wing, a guest area offers direct visual reference to the mound, framed by a generous glass façade at the front of the structure. Here, a landscaped terrace housed under the overhanging gable roof offers lounging travelers a relaxing experience of emerging greenery as well as panoramic views of the facility and its surroundings.
MONO Architekten have wrapped the exterior in an aluminum skin to emphasize the calm impression of the structure that continues into its wood-clad interiors, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere. Its irregular angles also create a delicate vertical structure with a discreet play of shadows.
on the north side, the glass façade is pushed back, creating a covered arcade
the exhibition gradually takes visitors back in time through historical events and archaeological finds
