Construction Blog

 Image: Preliminary draft of the new courtyard. © stadt landschaft plus | Landschaftsarchitekten GmbH

 

 

#33 International Department Campus in winter - January 23^rd, 2024

The snow-covered courtyard 

The inner courtyard already looks beautiful and modern under the blanket of snow. Nevertheless, we are looking forward to spring when the gardeners plant the plants and our courtyard invites our students to linger and relax inbetween their lectures.

 

#32 Construction work on the roof of the lecture halls - August 09^th, 2023

Beautification work on the roofs of the auditoriums

The construction work on the roofs of the lecture halls continues. Soon the first trees and bushes can be planted in the courtyard and beautiful places to sit and relax or study on the roofs of the auditoriums will be created

 

#31 Renewal of our driveway - July 13^th, 2023

The entrance area to our inner courtyard can soon be used again 

Currently, our driveawy to the courtyard is being renovated and paved. Soon the entrance to Ritterstraße can be used again and the students get a nice new entrance area to the courtyard and their accommodations

#30 Insight into our new auditorium - July 07^th, 2023 

The interior construction of the new auditorium is in its final stages

The daylight ceiling makes our new auditorium shine in a pleasant and warm light. We are already looking forward to the first events that can take place in the new auditorium soon.

 

#29 The courtyard is paved - June 26^th, 2023

The courtyard is taking shape

The paving stones are already being laid in the courtyard. Exterior work on the new auditorium is also in its final stages. Soon the courtyard will be ready for planting. 

 

#28 The interior work of our auditorium is progressing - May 16^th, 2023

The interior work continues

The interior work in our new auditorium is progressing. Further work by the landscapers in the courtyard will follow in the next few days. 

 

#27 The new auditorium takes shape - May 2^nd, 2023

The interior work is progressing

The new auditorium is taking shape. The parquet flooring is already being laid in the interior.

 

#26 The gardeners are in the starting phase - March 20^th, 2023

The outdoor area is taking shape

Just in time for the beginning of spring, the landscape gardeners are already in the starting phase. While the construction work inside the new auditorium is still in full swing, the inner courtyard is already in the final stages and landscaping can soon begin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#25 Inside taking shape– February 8^th, 2023

Interior work

The interior work of the new auditorium is in full progress. Here are a few visual impressions of the latest proceedings.

 

#24 Isolation and waterproofing work – January 18^th, 2023

Construction site takes shape

In the meantime, the crane has been removed again. Isolation and waterproofing work, as well as the filling of the excavation pit are currently being carried out on the construction site. The next step will be the interior construction, which will start in the next few weeks.

We are excited and looking forward to it!

 

#23 The stairs are being installed! – December 12^th, 2022

Coming next: the stairs

 

#22 The roof is finished– December 9^th, 2022

Richtfest: Topping out ceremony

On Thursday, December 8^th, the official topping-out ceremony for the new auditorium at the International Department took place in the courtyard.

The construction company Züblin invited the Hector Foundation, the architects as well as the team and the management of the International Department. After a festive reception and various speeches, the topping-out wreath was placed on top of the roof of the new auditorium by crane.

Following the topping out tradition, the evening was concluded with a delicious buffet and inspiring conversations. We would like to thank everyone for this festive event and are already looking very much forward to the official inauguration next year.

 

#21 Preparatory and formwork work – November 17^th, 2022

Progress on the construction of the new auditorium

Preparatory work on the foundations and structure is still underway.

The construction team reports that the concrete base for the ceiling of the new lecture hall will poured by the middle of next week. Following this, the external staircase is then set to be installed.

 

#20 Updates from the construction site – November 2^nd, 2022

Ellipse and exterior walls

Currently, the ellipse for the new auditorium and the remaining exterior walls are being concreted.

This will be followed by the ceiling.

 

#19 Construction work is progressing – October 12^th, 2022

Formwork and concreting works

The construction work is progressing: at the moment, the formwork and concreting works of the outer walls and the auditorium are being carried out. In parallel, the demolition of the concrete piers will continue until the end of next week.

 

#18 Latest photos – September 23^rd, 2022

Blue sky over the construction site

The construction work is progressing well. Enclosed are a few visual impressions of the last days:

 

#17 Next phase of construction in September – September 7^th, 2022

Crane work

As the construction work on our new auditorium progresses, we will enter the next phase of construction beginning in September 2022.

Please note that due to crane work, the A-areas of the dormitory will be temporarily not accessible. The passage way in kitchen A200 will not be possible at this time. For safety reasons, no people are allowed in the affected part of the building during this time. This also applies to the passageway in kitchen A200. The first security measure will take place on September 9, 2022 from 12 noon to 3 pm and on September 12, 2022 from 10 am to 2 pm.

 

#16 Preparation for the base plate– August 15^th, 2022

Updates on the further course of the construction measures

Today we share some information about the further progress of the construction works.

At the moment, preparations are underway to build the floor plate, which will be ready in about three weeks. After that, a first crossing with the crane is planned for the prefabricated parts.

We have planned so that as few kitchens as possible are affected, this would only be A 200, A 300 and A 400. The offices of the International Department are not affected by this.

 

#15 News from the construction – August 8^th, 2022

Complete staircase removal

News from the construction site this week: Today, August 8, the staircase on the side facing Ritterstraße will now be completely removed.

 

#14 Access of the International Department only via main entrance – July 19^th, 2022

Access via Ritterstraße no longer possible

This is to inform that due to the ongoing construction work, access to the building via Ritterstraße is no longer possible for safety reasons. The access to the building via Ritterstraße has therefore been closed off.

Please use only the main entrance (Schlossplatz side) in the future.

 

#13 Excavation in progress – July 15^th, 2022

Have you seen the crane yet?

We are excited to see the work on the construction site progressing well. Excavation will still continue for the next 2 - 3 weeks. A crane was also recently placed next to the building.

 

#12 Changes in the courtyard – June 15^th, 2022

Access to the courtyard

We are pleased to announce that the construction work is progressing well.

In this context, we would like to inform that the access between the International Department’s courtyard and the foyer at the main entrance of the ID will no longer be possible as of June 13, 2022, 5:00 pm (CEST). To get from the foyer of the ID to the courtyard, please walk around the ID. Tenants may use the staircase (Lammstraße side) or the courtyard stairs via the balconies.

 

#11 Current construction measures – June 3^rd, 2022

Next steps in the courtyard

Today, we would like to share with you a small update on the lineup of the upcoming planned construction activities.

Next is the completion of the concrete spraying work and removal of the containers and materials in Ritterstraße.

This will be followed by the excavation of the building pit (approx. 4 - 5 weeks). We expect that the demolition of the stairs and the removal of the large concrete blocks could be a little noisy and we thank you for your understanding.

 

#10 Update for tenants about washroom facilities - May 25^th, 2022

Access to the laundry room

We in the ID team are very excited about the outcome of the new courtyard and the new spaces in the International Department. Until that time comes, we would like to keep the restrictions for our tenants and students as low as possible. To this end, we have initiated the following temporary change in order to make the access to the washroom more easy:

The construction company has created a separate room in the kitchen area of A 200, so that all residents can access the laundry room from the outside balcony, through this room via the staircase (Ritterstraße side). A 200 and B 200 kitchen will also have access to their kitchen from this room.

The passageway is accessible to all residents with the electronic key since Friday, May 20th, 2022.

 

#9 Updates from the construction site - May 16^th, 2022

Construction work is progressing

The construction work is progressing day by day. Meanwhile, the inner courtyard has already a huge hole in the middle in preparation for the second auditorium to be built.

In the next two to three weeks, the foundations of the columns and pillars will be grouted with concrete. Stay tuned!

 

#8 Construction has officially begun! - April 26^th, 2022

Groundbreaking Ceremony

A lot has happened. Now that the construction team has completed its many preparatory measures, the official groundbreaking ceremony for the International Department took place on Monday, April 25, 2022. Attending the event were, Mr. Bleich, Co-Chairman of the Hector Foundation, the project team from the Züblin construction company, the architects from the Grünenwald + Heyl architechtural offices, and of course the team of the International Department.

 

The highlight of the event was the official groundbreaking ceremony, during which Mr. Uwe Bleich and the Managing Director of the International Department, Dr.-Ing. Judith Elsner, shoveled up the first mound of earth with the excavator. Following the groundbreaking ceremony, the guests expressed their enthusiasm and anticipation for the new auditorium and the many possibilities it offers in their celebratory speeches at the champagne reception.

We are all very much looking forward towards our new auditorium with barrier-free accessibility and fully-equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The official inauguration is planned for July 2023.

 

#7 Progress of preparatory measures – April 20^th, 2022

Construction fence and staircase removal

In the Ritterstraße, a fence has been set up on the street to provide space for the construction vehicles. However, pedestrians can still enter the International Department building from this side. Currently, the staircase to the dormitory (direction Ritterstraße) will be removed. Please note that only the staircase towards the Lammstraße will remain.

We are very much looking forward towards the official Groundbreaking Ceremony next Monday, April 25^th, 2022!

 

#6 Relocation of coffee break room – April 19^th, 2022

New coffee break room

The preparatory measures in the courtyard and at the International Department are progressing. We have recently moved the coffee break space (which has been in front of the HECTOR Auditorium in the basement) to the second floor. You can now find the coffee machines, stand tables and fresh fruit and snacks upstairs in room SR204, former library, for your convenience during lecture breaks.

 

#5 Relocation of facilities - April 7^th, 2022

New location for mailboxes, bicycle stands and trash containers

• Starting Monday afternoon (April 4^th, 2022) the mailboxes for dormitory residents will be located in the passage to Lammstraße.
• Bicycle stands are now accessible via Lammstraße.
• Trash containers are now located behind the construction fence at Lammstraße.

 

#4 Information on upcoming construction measures – March 31^st, 2022

Pavement removal next week

We would like to announce that demolition work on the pavement in the courtyard is scheduled for next week Monday/Tuesday, April 4^th and 5^th, 2022. Considerable noise disturbance is to be expected during this work. We apologize for any possible noise disturbance and thank you for your understanding.

The bicycle stand at the entrance Ritterstraße is now located in front of the terrace of the Multi Kulti restaurant.

 

#3 Information about parking bicycles – March 18th, 2022

New spots for bicycles

Due to the reconstruction the parking of bicycles at the entrance gate Ritterstraße will no longer be possible from Monday, March 28^th, 2022. Until the beginning of May 2022, bicycles can still be parked in the ID courtyard in front of the Multi-Kulti Restaurant. From May 2022, bicycle racks will be installed in the Lammstraße.

Please make sure to relocate your bikes in time.

 

#2 Tree Felling – February 23^rd, 2022

Getting started!

After years of theoretical planning, the first practical step in the courtyard started: On February 23^rd, 2022 it was time to officially begin the construction work.

A few days earlier, our Accommodation Office has moved to the first office on the left side (room J101) so that the former offices outside can be used by the construction workers during the project time. The benches were removed and the first trees were felled in the courtyard. There is now a lot of space outside to continue with all preparatory operations around the courtyard until the foundation and framing work starts. 

     

 

#1 Introduction Event – February 10^th, 2022

Standing on historical ground

February 10^th, 2022 is a time for a new beginning: the construction project was officially launched with an initial kick-off event. All residents of the International Department, students and employees were invited to join in the courtyard.

With a greeting from the International Department’s Managing Director Dr.-Ing. Judith Elsner, those present were warmly welcomed. The Hector Foundation, and above all Senator Dr. Hans- Werner Hector, have the objectives of the International Department very close to their hearts: The ID is a gateway for young talented students who want to study in Germany and especially at the KIT: These talented individuals contribute by bringing prosperity and peace to societies through the skills they acquired during their time here with the International Department.

The entire team of the ID strives to create opportunities that allow students to study successfully and learn about the latest technologies in engineering and the sciences.

Following the introduction held by Dr. -Ing. Judith Elsner, the architects Grünenwald + Heyl presented their detailed plans for the three-years planning and construction process. Afterwards, the construction company, Züblin, explained how they will proceed with construction. The following milestones will underline the current construction phase:

At the end of the event, there was the opportunity to ask questions and to view the construction plans, allowing participants to get first impressions of how the ID will look like after the reconstruction.

We are very much looking forward to start this progress of modernizing our building on historical ground.