Heliotrop, Energy-plus house in Freiburg, Germany.
Description
The Heliotrop is a cylindrical home in Freiburg that rotates 180 degrees during the day to follow the sun and maximize solar collection through its glass walls. The building pairs this rotating mechanism with specialized thermal insulation and dual-axis solar panels to create a complete energy-generating system.
History
The building was completed in 1994 as the first energy-plus home in the world. Architect Rolf Disch designed it as his own residence, proving that such technologies could work in real-world living conditions.
Culture
This home shows how German residents think about living space and energy responsibility. Visitors notice how comfort and ecological concern coexist in everyday residential design.
Practical
Visits to the house require advance booking. The address at Ziegelweg 28 is accessible by public transportation from Freiburg main station.
Did you know?
The home generates four to six times more energy than it consumes, making it a globally unique example at the time. This excess power feeds back into the electrical grid and supports the local energy supply.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Freiburg im Breisgau).
Militärarchiv
1 km
Holbeinpferd
1.3 km
Arboretum Freiburg-Günterstal
708 m
KTS
1.4 km
Akademie der Polizei Baden-Württemberg
1.4 km
Loretto chapel
974 m
Christuskirche
2 km
Kloster St. Lioba
1.8 km
Günterstal Convent
1.9 km
Kommunales Kino Freiburg
2 km
Vordtriede-Haus Freiburg
1.7 km
St. Cyriak und Perpetua
1.6 km
Wohnhaus Kirchstraße 17
1.7 km
Waldmenschen
736 m
Schloss Merzhausen
946 m
Collegium Sapientiae
1.5 km
St. Peter und Paul (Freiburg)
1.5 km
Literatur Forum Südwest
2 km
Matthias-Claudius-Kirche
2 km
Seventh-day Adventist Church in Freiburg
1.8 km
Hildaturm
764 m
Jesuitenschloss
1.4 km
Four Lines Oblique
1.4 km
Stolperstein dedicated to Betty Knopf
1.2 km
Die Laufenden
630 m
Untitled
2 km
Badisches Saugkalb
1.9 km
Roots and wings
749 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes