BMUKN leads the way in sustainable construction

The new building, designed by C.F. Møller Architects, will be constructed using a hybrid timber construction method and is considered a pioneering project for sustainable building in Germany. The architectural firm's goal is to create an open, green building structure that combines functional requirements with a sensitive approach to the historic location in the centre of Berlin. The approximately 51,000-square-metre complex expands the ministry's existing perimeter block development and interprets it in a contemporary way – with a natural stone façade, integrated photovoltaic elements and light-flooded atriums.

Concentrated civil engineering expertise comes into play

The consortium's services include the construction of 5,240 m² of diaphragm walls with a thickness of 60 and 80 cm for the excavation enclosure of the larger excavation pit in construction area A. The diaphragm walls are temporarily anchored with 95 grout anchors. A sealing wall divides the excavation pit in construction area A into two troughs, enabling more efficient water drainage. Meyer Erdbau is carrying out the complex earthworks and demolition work. The scope of the contract also includes the construction of approximately 1,640 square metres of bored pile walls for the smaller excavation pit in construction area B and the production of 58 foundation piles with a total length of around 900 metres for the building foundations. In addition, there will be explosive ordnance detection, underpinning work, reinforced concrete work, internal steel bracing and complex route clearance.

Building in a sensitive, inner-city environment

Afrodite Matsini, senior site manager at PORR Spezialtiefbau, describes some of the challenges: "The inner-city location requires a high degree of logistical planning and care. After the diaphragm wall work has been completed, historical concrete obstacles in the building ground and the remains of a historic villa must be removed under archaeological supervision – using low-noise construction methods and protected by a sound enclosure. The construction work is being carried out under continuous monitoring of noise emissions and in close coordination with neighbourhood management.”

Additional restrictions apply on plenary and meeting days of the adjacent House of Representatives and Federal Council. In the public tender, PORR impressed with an economical bid and its extensive experience in inner-city special civil engineering. Patrick Günther, Technical Regional Manager of PORR Spezialtiefbau Ost, emphasises: ‘This project combines technical expertise with high standards of sustainability and consideration – a combination that reflects our self-image at PORR.’