Materia

The LWL-Museum Hellerlecht in Detmold is one of Germany’s largest open air museums. With around 120 historic buildings, it provides an insight into the cultural history of Westphalia-Lippe. This outdoor exhibition has been expanded to include a new entrance and exhibition building. This new museum wing was designed by ACMS Architects, and is set to open in July 2026. It will be open to visitors year-round. The building itself is intended to serve both as an exhibition space and as a tangible example of sustainable building culture. This publication offers insights into the construction process through written contributions on sustainable museum architecture, the new context within which the collection is set, and the park, which is currently under development; these are complemented by planning materials, conversations with tradesmen, and an interview with the architectural firm. Sibylle Fendt’s striking photographs offer a glimpse into the construction process and the skilled craftsmanship involved in working with the materials used. Portraits of the artisans round off this volume.