Client: Interboden GmbH & Co. KG
Architect: HPP Architekten
Completion: 2024
Specialist Consultants: EPEA GmbH, Transsolar, Knippers Helbig
Photographer: Ralph Richter
The office building known as "The Cradle" in Düsseldorf was completed in 2024 by the project developer Interboden and is regarded as an innovative example of sustainable construction. Designed as a timber hybrid building according to the Cradle to Cradle® principle, it achieved a significant reduction in its environmental footprint. At the end of its life cycle, the building can be dismantled with substantially lower waste generation. The selected building materials result in a 47% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional buildings. In addition, a further 38% reduction in operational CO₂ emissions is achieved during use.
This optimization was developed at an early stage because the BIM model was linked to a Circularity Passport® - Buildings for the first time, allowing carbon-intensive building components to be identified and selectively replaced.
The building façade is characterized by its distinctive diamond-shaped structure, giving it a unique architectural appearance. The eye-catching glued laminated timber columns can be dismantled and reused in the future, enabling continued use of resources. Depending on the orientation of the façade, the columns are positioned at varying depths and therefore also function as passive solar shading.
To improve indoor air quality in line with Cradle to Cradle criteria, a PVC-free carpet was installed. During the day, it captures fine dust particles from the air, which can then be removed by vacuum cleaning. In addition, the greenery integrated into the walls on all floors contributes to air purification.
