Reuse of a former office building in Cologne
Client: TAUTON Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. Objekt Gustav-Heinemann-Ufer KG, a Joint-Venture of ABG-Group and Garbe Immobilien-Projekte GmbH
High-rise Building with 132 flats and Basement Garage
Completion 2017, Shortlisted for DAM Award 2020
Photos: Christa Lachenmaier, HiFlyFoto
After its conversion the former residence of the Federal Association of German Industry (BDI) in Cologne serves 132 residential units. The curved highrise block, originally built on the banks of the River Rhine in the 1970s, received an offset stacked storey. Various types of apartments group around the two development cores made from artistically stacked concrete that overtop the building considerably. The regular floors accommodate high-quality 2-4 room apartments while the two upper floors feature generous penthouses. The high basement level with its large-surface glazing could be retained and 2-3 storey townhouses with dedicated gardens on their western-facing side have been developed as a special form of living.
The ageing landmark on the River Rhine bank in Cologne's Bayenthal district will receivedappearance during the refurbishment. The old facade could not be retained due to construction-physical and functional reasons; however, the design principles of the window strips have been accommodated in the new design. On the long side bright balustrade strips open up to generous balconies that offer a spectacular view across the River Rhine up to the “Siebengebirge” mountains and the southwest of the city of Cologne. The front retains its slick, dynamic appearance. The highrise building is circumvented by several flanking residential buildings as well as by an office block on the side facing the river, which will be planned by the Cologne office of ASTOC.
Single-story underground garages with multiple entrances and exits are available to all residents and office users in the neighborhood.