The split, shifted oval is oriented to the Rhine, Siebengebierge and the city, facilitates views from the city, and minimizes negative wind effects through its aerodynamic shape. The building rethinks the type of high-rise office tower in relation to function, technology and user comfort.
Architects: Murphy/Jahn
Location: Bonn, Germany
Height: 162.40
Area: 73,501 sqm
Photographs: Courtesy of Murphy/Jahn
In plan the split oval halves are separated by a 7,20 m wide space. The connecting glass floors at 9-story intervals form skygardens, which serve as communication floors and elevator crossovers. The glass elevators of the low and high zones run in the center of the skygarden, providing views and orientation.
The building has a twin-shell façade. The outer shell is completely out of glass, enabling natural ventilation, especially in the spring and fall. The outer shell protects from rain, wind and noise and allows for placement of the sunshades. Glass from floor to ceiling optimizes daylight. Cost comparisons show that the total cost of climate concept and twin-shell façade is equal to a conventional system. Operating costs are reduced by 60%.
Daylight, natural ventilation, solar energy and the idea that the skin of a building modulates its own climate have not yet been integrated as essential components in commercial design. The inclusion of these methodologies is the goal here. Through this, we can rediscover and fulfill our natural instincts and intuitive actions. The result: A building with high technology and low energy.
