Sarnthein Civil Protection Centre by KUP – ARCH

The new civil protection center cleverly utilizes the natural slope of the site. The ground floor is partially integrated into the hillside, which contributes to the building being harmoniously embedded into the landscape. Located on the ground floor are the vehicle halls, changing rooms, and storage rooms of the White Cross, the fire department, the civil protection service, and the mountain rescue service.

The upper floor houses offices, lounges, and a large common room for meetings and training sessions. The Sarntal Civil Protection Center symbolizes an architecture that combines functionality, sustainability, and regional identity. With its simple yet dignified appearance, it stands as a testament to a building culture focused on durability, material authenticity, and the play of light. The color and material concept is based on local gray-green Sarner Porphyry; its distinct greenish hue makes it a unique variety among South Tyrolean porphyries. The façades are clad in diamond-shaped titanium zinc sheeting, creating a scale-like “skin” that is color-coordinated with the stone. The mobile, folding shutters are robust, low-maintenance, and give the building a unique character. Depending on the weather and time of day, their perforations create captivating lighting moods within the interior.