Revolutionary office design

EDGE Suedkreuz

Berlin, Germany

Situated near the Südkreuz station in Berlin’s Schöneberg district, EDGE Technologies is developing a 10,000m² property with the intention of creating 39,000m² of office space for German energy supplier Vattenfall.

Our team has been selected to provide multidisciplinary services for a new office building located near Südkreuz station.

Sustainable design principles informed all aspects of the design and the project is expected to receive a high DGNB-rating.

The office building will incorporate 39,000m² of gross floor area.

Challenge

EDGE Suedkreuz is one of the largest buildings planned as a modular timber hybrid construction in Germany. It comprises two office buildings, each with six floors and a connecting underground car park, which is fully equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles.

In line with Vattenfall’s corporate strategy as well as that of EDGE Technologies, sustainability has been imperative from the very beginning of the project. The aim was to reduce the building’s carbon footprint, to use sustainable and healthy materials and to take into account the well-being of the future occupants. The modular timber hybrid construction method is an important part of achieving this and was integrated into the engineering concept.

Buro Happold was commissioned to deliver a holistic concept consisting of structural engineering, building services engineering (MEP), BIM management and sustainability consulting.

Solution

We worked closely with Cree by Rhomberg, innovators of a revolutionary new construction system, to achieve a fully modular, timber-concrete-hybrid structure. The advantages of this approach include rapid construction, the sustainable nature of the material and ultimately, the realisation of a more desirable working environment. Additionally, the structure’s light weight will significantly reduce costs associated with creating the building’s foundation.

The design features timber throughout and incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows, which will afford people passing by glimpses into the wooden interior. Oversailing the 1.600m² atrium, the roof construction will be comprised of lightweight ETFE-cushions, a visually appealing while cost efficient design element. Trussed timber roof beams will help to ensure visual continuity with the rest of the building.

The atrium fulfils several important functions. It provides a centralised space for formal and informal meetings while the atrium roof, which is open on two sides, allows for natural ventilation. The ETFE cushions can be used to adjust the level of daylight and thus also control the temperature. Using advanced analytical modelling, our experts were able to achieve a balance between comfort, use of materials and energy consumption. Smart controls automatically regulate air quality, light and temperature to enable optimal working conditions and save energy.

All materials used were tested for their environmental impact. The timber used for the structure, for instance, comes from certified forests, other materials are recycled or recyclable where possible and surface paint does not contain toxic substances (VOC free). Our engineers considered the entire life cycle of the buildings, including the dismantling. All materials used have a life span of 50 years. The modular hybrid construction method means that dismantling will be as easy and efficient as construction.

The hybrid construction method challenged all the teams involved to come up with completely new and innovative approach to the joint coordination of all services. Hybrid ventilation systems, for example, make use of the space between the wooden beams, bringing integrated lighting and sensor technology into the building at the same time. As BIM managers, we were able to manage the coordination effort and adapt working methods to needs.

Value

Sustainability and occupant well-being were important drivers for the EDGE Suedkreuz project right from the start. These imperatives continue to inform the entire development and have resulted in a DGNB pre-certificate in platinum and WELL Gold. Vattenfall’s employees will benefit from a healthy indoor working environment, as well as from sports and medical facilities. The building’s proximity to Südkreuz railway station and its underground car park for e-cars will also provide employees and visitors with access to alternative, green mobility.