-
LocationDüsseldorf
-
ProjectNew office and commercial building with restaurant and basement
-
ClientHines Immobilien GmbH
-
Architect of recordCaspar Schmitz-Morkramer
-
Planning and construction period2017–2020
-
Service phases1–4, 6–8
-
Gross floor area (AG/BG)21,000 m²/2,380 m²
-
Technical building equipmentM & P Gruppe
-
Structural EngineeringWeiske und Partner
-
Fire Protectionhhpberlin
-
Facade PlanningB + G Ingenieure Bollinger und Grohmann
-
Building PhysicsGraner + Partner Ingenieure
-
CertificationsDGNB Platinum
-
AwardsIconic Awards 2022
-
Photo and film documentationHGEsch
-
This project is from the joint period of meyerschmitzmorkramer.
Our cities have long since been built up, especially in central locations where buildings stand shoulder to shoulder. This holds true for Düsseldorf’s banking district, home to a high density of prestigious, mostly historic structures. But even here, in a block flanked on the east by the upscale Königsallee shopping street, there was a need for subtle urban revitalization. In 2020, we completed the Kö-Quartier: three new office and commercial buildings encompassing approximately 20,000 square meters of gross floor area. Configured in an L-shape, they neatly close the block’s perimeter. Their design, height, and materials ensure a cohesive appearance that harmonizes with the existing historical buildings. However, the distinction lies in the details; slight variations in color, grid dimensions, and the texture of the natural stone facade create nuances. Throughout the design and planning process, we maintained close dialogue with the local monument authority. Our shared understanding was that these new buildings should integrate sensitively within the historical context, and that embracing a clear architectural vision should not be equated with making provocative architectural gestures.
Particular attention was devoted not only to the positioning of the three new buildings, but also to their integration with the existing structures. Along Benrather Strasse, House 1 adjoins the Deutsche Bank, maintaining the eaves line with its five stories and a two-story recessed zinc-clad roof structure. After four window axes, the new building boldly rises by an additional story in the central section, establishing a horizontal connection to House 3 and the existing structures on Breitestrasse. At the intersection of Benrather Strasse/Breite Strasse, the neoclassical Commerzbank building, featuring an unusual tempietto, serves as a focal point. Drawing from the rich stylistic elements of this structure, we reference the corner rounding of the building with House 1 while preserving the square grid. The corner is subtly emphasized by the maximum reveal depth, gradually diminishing towards the sides, as well as by the meticulously crafted adaptation of the natural stone cladding and the curved panes of the large window openings. The facades, constructed from light-colored, slightly marbled Wachenzell dolomite, reinforce the cohesive relationship between the three buildings. To maintain the quarter’s scale within the streetscape, House 2’s facade has more narrowly spaced, vertically oriented window openings from the second floor upward, framed with a stone passe-partout effect. Additionally, the centrally positioned dolomite-framed portal on the building’s long side is set within a grid section double the typical width and height, introducing a subtle disruption to the facade rhythm for heightened visibility.
“Due to the form of the building volumes, the Kö-Quartier not only blend harmoniously into the sensitive landmarked area, but actually completes it.”
Each building within the Kö-Quartier has its own distinct address and entrance with a representative foyer. The ground floors accommodate a vibrant mix of restaurants and retailers, ensuring the neighborhood remains lively beyond the Kö buildings. Starting from Houses 2 and 3, a comb-like structure extends into the bustling block interior, offering open terraces on the upper floors that create protected niches in front of the offices. The roof terraces atop Houses 1 and 2 also provide exceptional urban open spaces. One notable structural challenge was the construction of House 3 on the existing foundations, integrating with the five basement floors of the underground parking from the previous building. In 2022, our team’s efforts were recognized with the Ionic Award for Innovative Architecture and the highest accolade from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) – the Platinum certificate. Notably, at the time of certification, the Kö-Quartier became only the second commercial quarter to achieve this prestigious honor.
-
Caspar Schmitz-Morkramer
-
Vanessa Frank
-
Frank Schreer
-
Simone Hamm
-
Melanie Fior
-
Bastian Fuchs
-
Fernando González Cardero
-
Oliver Greven
-
Eike Heidelberg
-
Kai Hesse
-
Jan Jermer-Urban
-
Klaus Kirchner
-
Marcus Leinwand
-
Simon Scheithauer
-
Angeline Ziegler