Düsseldorf
The Cradle
Düsseldorf, Germany / 11.2020 - 06.2024
In Düsseldorf’s Medienhafen, The Cradle – an office and catering building constructed using a hybrid timber-concrete construction method – has been completed. PORR Hochbau Region West carried out the shell building construction on behalf of the project developer INTERBODEN. The building comprises around 7,200 m² of office space, as well as a further 600 m² for catering facilities on the ground floor.
Facts & Figures
Company
PORR Hochbau West GmbH
Type
Office buildings
Runtime
11.2020 - 06.2024
The Cradle, a timber-hybrid office building in Düsseldorf
Wood and concrete in a building structure
The Cradle was designed in line with the Cradle-to-Cradle principle. Among other things, this involves the use of building components that can be dismantled and reused or recycled after their useful life.
The building structure combines timber and reinforced concrete components. The stairwell core was constructed using recycled concrete (RC concrete). In RC concrete, part of the natural aggregate – such as crushed natural stone or gravel – is replaced by recycled aggregate made from processed mineral material.
Diamond-shaped façade of timber and glass
A defining feature of the building is the diamond-shaped façade construction made of timber and glass. The timber elements fulfil structural functions as well as forming parts of the shading system and individual loggias. The construction thus combines the load-bearing structure, façade design and various functional requirements within a single component.
Shell construction for a circular building concept
PORR Building Construction Region West was responsible for the shell construction, forming part of the construction of the planned building concept. This involved coordinating reinforced concrete and timber components, as well as the subsequent façade construction, right from the shell construction stage.
Experience with various hybrid construction methods
With The Cradle, PORR has realised another project in which different building materials have been combined within a single building structure. PORR was previously involved in the construction of a building using hybrid construction methods for the SuperBioMarkt AG administration building in Münster.
Construction with a view to future dismantling
A distinctive feature of The Cradle lies not only in the use of timber, but also in the planned dismantlability of individual components. This meant that requirements extending beyond the construction and use of the building were taken into account right from the design and material selection stages. The dismantlable timber façade thus becomes an essential component of the circular building concept.
