Comprehensive renewal of the supply and disposal infrastructure
As part of the project, the entire supply and disposal infrastructure of the residence will be fundamentally modernised. This includes the renovation of the sewage and water supply systems, the renewal of the fountain technology, the use of stratum water and various structural adjustments to the existing building. In addition, CDM Smith is responsible for the structural design of the canals and the outdoor facilities in the courtyard gardens.
A key focus is on the restoration of the historic masonry channels in accordance with conservation guidelines. Furthermore, CDM Smith is developing a sustainable concept for the use of service water: instead of discharging all of the pumped water into the sewer system, as has been the case up to now, a large part of it will be used in the garden area or reused externally in the future. The project thus contributes both to the protection of cultural heritage and to the conservation of valuable resources.
High-priority construction phases
The project will be implemented in several construction phases, which will be carried out either sequentially or in parallel, depending on urgency. The renovation of the Residenzplatz and the northern and southern courtyards is particularly time-critical. Other measures include the east garden, the orangery, the nursery and the Rosenbach Palace.
With this commission, CDM Smith is taking on the comprehensive coordination of all planning services. The aim is to secure the Würzburg Residence with an economical, long-term viable and technically sustainable concept, while minimising interference with the historical substance and taking into account the high visitor frequency on site.
Interview with project manager Benedikt Bauer
What makes the renovation of the sewer network at the Würzburg Residence one of the most challenging infrastructure projects in the region?
Benedikt Bauer: The renovation of the historic sewer network, some of which dates back to Balthasar Neumann, requires extreme care in dealing with the centuries-old building fabric. At the same time, modern requirements such as a sustainable irrigation system and the reactivation of existing storage structures must be integrated. This results in a complex interplay of monument protection, modern infrastructure planning and high technical requirements.
How is it possible to combine modern engineering and sustainability requirements with the strict guidelines for monument protection of a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Benedikt Bauer: Through close coordination with all stakeholders involved – especially monument preservation authorities – technical solutions are developed jointly at an early stage. This allows historical substance and modern functional requirements to be combined in a meaningful way. The result is individual, sustainable concepts that respect the special features of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How can ongoing museum and event operations be integrated with complex construction processes and the protection of historical substance?
Benedikt Bauer: When selecting technical solutions, care is taken to ensure that operations are affected as little as possible. In addition, precise construction phase and logistics planning ensures that visitor flows, routes and sensitive time slots are optimally coordinated. This makes it possible to implement complex construction processes while reliably protecting the historical substance.