Nov 03, 2026
Pavilion built of load-bearing natural stone
Pavilion Constructed from Load-Bearing Natural Stone as Part of the VeBTamaN Research Project
As part of the VeBTamaN research project—funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU)—on the cost-effectiveness of load-bearing vertical structural elements made of natural stone, the Chair of Structural Design led by Prof. Dr. Matthias Beckh (TWP) and the Chair of Architectural Design and Construction I, led by Professors Ansgar and Benedikt Schulz (EKI), together with research partners the German Natural Stone Association (DNV) and the companies Bamberger Natursteinwerk Hermann Graser GmbH, Franken-Schotter GmbH & Co. KG, and Kusser Granitwerke GmbH, a natural stone demonstrator on campus.
Completed in October 2026, the pavilion at Zelleschen Weg 40—located directly next to the new laboratory building of the Chair of Structural Design—demonstrates the potential of local granite, limestone, and sandstone as standardized building materials for the primary load-bearing structures of sustainable buildings. The mock-up illustrates the slenderness of load-bearing walls and columns made of natural stone, their structural design, and the jointing of the solid elements; it also serves as an information resource on the research findings. The insights gained from the planning and construction phases will be incorporated into the final report.
The construction of the load-bearing structural elements was carried out under the leadership of the Bamberg-based natural stone company Hermann Graser GmbH. Research Associates Tim Mahn (TWP) and Michael Senn (EKI) provided support during construction. The project received financial support from the companies Franken-Schotter GmbH & Co. KG and Kusser Granitwerke GmbH, as well as from Sievert SE, which sponsored tubag-brand mortar. WOLFF & MÜLLER Tief- und Straßenbau GmbH & Co. KG supported the project by constructing the foundation slab, which the company’s Dresden branch carried out free of charge.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all those involved and to our supporters.
The official opening date for the pavilion will be announced at a later time.
