As geopolitical tensions rise and fears of potential military escalation grow, demand for private shelters in Germany has been increasing sharply. Now, a company in Saxony-Anhalt is taking that concern straight into the consumer market — with Germany’s first bunker designed for sale through a hardware store chain.
The prototype, created by Veloform in cooperation with BSSD Defence, was recently presented to industry insiders. According to the developers, the goal is to make civil protection accessible and visible for ordinary households — much like buying a garden shed or a tool cabin.
Compact design – high protection level
The bunker measures around 16 square meters, built from reinforced concrete with 20-centimetre-thick walls and a height of 2.8 meters.
Inside, there’s space for four foldable beds, a small kitchen area, and basic sanitary facilities including a toilet and shower.
Additional features include:
- LED lighting with adjustable colour settings
- A large screen simulating daylight or outdoor scenery
- Optional ballistic armour to withstand high-impact projectiles
- A filtered ventilation system designed for one week of autonomous living
According to engineer Mario Piejde from BSSD Defence, the shelter can be installed either underground in a garden or as a free-standing unit above ground. The reinforced shell is designed to withstand drone strikes, mortar blasts, and heat pressure, while a special ballistic coating can even deflect small rocket impacts.
Designed for autonomy and awareness
The shelter is meant to serve not only as protection but also as an educational and design concept. “People should see that a modern bunker doesn’t have to be grey or intimidating,” the developers said. The aim, they added, is to raise awareness about civil preparedness and self-sufficiency in crisis situations.
Delivery time for a fully equipped unit is around 70 working days.
Pricing starts at €50,000 for the basic model with ventilation and filtration systems, rising to €150,000 for a fully equipped version.
Optional ballistic protection adds about €30,000.
From niche fear to new market
Until recently, private bunkers in Germany were associated with Cold War-era anxiety. But in recent months, companies across Europe have reported rising demand for self-protection infrastructure — from power generators and water purifiers to underground shelters.
While the developers insist the product is primarily about preparedness, not panic, experts warn that such marketing also reflects the growing sense of insecurity among parts of the population.
A sign of the times
Germany once maintained over 2,000 public shelters during the Cold War, most of which were decommissioned after reunification. Now, as global tensions resurface, civil defence has re-entered the political and commercial agenda.
The “DIY-store bunker” may soon appear between garden furniture and barbecue sets — a striking symbol of how security concerns are quietly reshaping everyday life.
