Much more than just a façade
"The Cradle" is Düsseldorf’s first multifunctional wooden hybrid office building built according to the Cradle to Cradle principle, and sets completely new standards.
Around 600 companies, hotels, catering companies and architecture firms have settled in the Düsseldorf Medienhafen area since the 1990s. In 2023, the first multifunctional wooden hybrid office building in the North Rhine-Westphalian state capital was built in the heart of this vibrant district characterised by architecturally outstanding buildings. "The Cradle", which is also referred to by professionals as the "flagship project for the real estate industry", was implemented by HPP Architekten on behalf of the INTERBODEN Group and has already received several architectural awards and prizes as a circular pilot project. These include the MIPIM/The Architectural Review Future Project AWARD 2018, the ICONIC AWARD: Innovative Architecture 2018 and the BIM Heinze Architekten AWARD 2020 special award.
Impressive diamond-shaped façade design
Designed according to the Cradle to Cradle® principle, the new multi-storey building with green roof and solar system impresses from the outside with its diamond-shaped façade made of V-shaped wooden elements, which also function as a supporting structure and serve as sun protection thanks to different depth dimensions. V-shaped concrete supports are only used on the ground floor. On the waterside of the building, small loggias with views of the dock are embedded in the distinctive wood and glass façade.
Creative work in a pleasant atmosphere
Inside, the innovative office building is flooded with light, open and transparent. With an area of around 7,200 square metres, there is plenty of space for creative work on the upper floors and for gastronomic offerings on the ground floor. The Cradle to Cradle® principle, where all building materials used must be recyclable, is also consistently implemented here.
The use of lots of light wood also contributes to a health-promoting and soothing working climate. In addition to a PVC-free carpet that filters fine dust from the air, green walls full of plants on all floors also clean and renew the air.
Good acoustics in the foyer
The highest sustainability standards are also met in the generous foyer space of the new building. The light-flooded, open space can be visually divided into two separate areas thanks to several rotatable wooden slat elements, meaning that it can be used for smaller events or lectures. A small kitchenette concealed behind dark green cladding also makes it possible to cater for visitors directly on site.
Design accents – matching the light floor and the wood elements – are set by the grey Troldtekt acoustic panels installed on the high ceiling with a linear pattern made of FUTURECEM™. Troldtekt acoustic panels based on FUTURECEM have a reduced carbon footprint compared to Troldtekt acoustic panels on traditional cement. They therefore fit perfectly into the overall Cradle to Cradle concept.
