The Cradle, Düsseldorf, Germany

With its rhombic-shaped structure, the building has a characteristic façade appearance. The design-defining elements were first developed during the competing phase with the architects and structural engineers. The prominent columns of the building, made of glulam, protected by glass baffle plates are elements of the supporting structure. At the same time, they act as sun protection and are therefore designed at different depths, accordingly to orientation. A load-bearing façade allows open, column-free floor plans for a particularly flexible utilisation and layout. In addition, this type of fixed solar shading makes it possible to forgo an additional external solution. The effectiveness of the summer sun protection could not be verified using the usual static calculation methods; instead, detailed simulation calculations were required for this.
The Cradle-to-Cradle®-principle aims to improve the ecological footprint of building construction and is proactively sustainable. Considering from day one that a building will one day reach the end of its life. To minimize waste during deconstruction, the materials used must be selected so that they can be reused. Therefore, materials that are sustainable, recyclable, and produced as environmentally friendly as possible are preferred.

The Cradle is a hybrid building, as the basement and ground floor are constructed using reinforced concrete, as is the entire circulation core, which connects to the solid timber structure comprising five stories of office space. The sixth floor is a set-back level that includes both office spaces and technical equipment, along with a surrounding rooftop terrace. The underground parking garage features conventional parking spaces, as well as charging stations for 18 electric vehicles and 160 e-bikes.

The innovative timber load-bearing structure was the result of integral collaboration. For the conceptual competition in 2017, the team developed the foundation for the energy-efficient design and demonstrated through simulations that the building could function effectively. The façade geometry allows for optimal light and heat entry into the building, combining openness and enclosure while providing sheltered areas that can be used as loggias facing the harbour and forecourt, while also ensuring natural ventilation is possible even at night.

2024 Sonderpreis Holzbaupreis NRW
2020 Sonderpreis BIM des Heinze ArchitektenAWARDs
2018 Iconic Award in der Kategorie Innovative Architecture
2018 MIPIM/The Architectural Review Future Project Award