The Friedrich und Karl office complex is creating a new gateway to Cologne in the northern part of the city. The urbanistically sophisticated complex is the result of a development process lasting several years, which culminated in a competition coordinated with politicians and administrators and produced an urban design and architecture of international standing.
The pioneering design of the complex, consisting of three largely self-sufficient construction phases, is consistently geared towards sustainability. The energy required for a facility of this size is obtained from geothermal suction and absorption wells at a location favored by its proximity to the Rhine. The use of a wood-hybrid construction method, in which the office floors, including the facades, are manufactured in the factory, will enable significant amounts of CO2 to be bound in the building in the long term. The innovative mobility concept takes into account the significantly increased demand for bicycles, E-bikes, and cargo bikes and, with optimal public transportation connections, enables a significant reduction in parking spaces.
The individual buildings are connected by a pergola and a continuous basement and only have basements in some areas. The spacious outdoor areas are landscaped to collect rainwater and allow most of it to seep away via infiltration ditches on the property. All roofs are green roofs and are equipped with photovoltaic systems, which generate electricity for heating and cooling the offices using heat pumps, making them largely self-sufficient. The high proportion of greenery promotes natural evaporation and, in combination with the large-crowned plane trees along Boltensternstraße, creates a pleasant microclimate throughout the complex.
The Friedrich und Karl project has been awarded the preliminary platinum certificate by the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council). The life cycle analysis (LCA) accompanying the project lays the foundation for the Sustainable Building (QNG Plus) quality seal.
The 100% rented space also offers room for training purposes, conference rooms, and a company canteen. Friedrich und Karl significantly exceeds the federal government's requirements for primary energy consumption in its own new buildings, which are already well above the legal requirements. This new location in the Niehl district is a real flagship project for the future of office and public authority construction.
