Project Moringa: The first high-rise residential complex in Germany based on Cradle to Cradle principles
An innovative project is underway to build Germany’s first high-rise residential complex based on Cradle to Cradle design and circular economy principles in the port city of Hamburg. Due to be completed in 2024, the project consists of three buildings constructed on the northern bank of Baaken Harbour covering a gross floor area of approximately 19,000m², comprising 190 rental units.
Cradle to Cradle principles in action
A focus on circularity, with urban mining principles as the underlying concepts effectively turn the residential complex into a rich material bank for the future.
More than 50% of the building materials for Project Moringa were chosen and designed with reuse in mind, prioritizing Cradle to Cradle Certified® materials. The modular design, specifically the modular structure of the timber façade, allows for easy dismantling and separating and the end of the building’s lifecycle, enabling the components to be reused. This feature known as timber cascading, whereby wood is put to primary use before it is reused, recycled and finally burnt for energy, is seen as key in helping to transition the construction industry into a closed-loop supply chain system.
In addition to functioning as a materials bank, the building will also contribute to other important sustainability endeavors including eliminating pollutants, using materials that are safe for humans and the environment, reducing carbon, using renewable energy and implementing energy- and water-efficient processes. The design facilitates the collection and treatment of rainwater and gray water, which is then used for irrigation and other non-potable water functions. Strategic green spaces constructed in and around the building, both horizontal and vertical, will have a cooling effect on the microclimate in hot weather, while helping to improve local air quality and boost biodiversity.
An increasing focus on sustainable construction by city planners
Cities are increasingly incorporating environmental considerations into their planning decisions, with sustainability certification becoming a key requirement of the planning permission process. The Moringa Project exceeds the requirements of HafenCity’s platinum environmental label thanks to its use of Cradle to Cradle Certified® materials and circular economy principles. The project demonstrates the potential to construct sustainable residential buildings at scale, and it is hoped that it will catalyze future sustainable city developments, promoting greater integration of circularity within the construction industry.
Project Moringa Overview
Project developer: Landmarken AG
Architectural firm: kadawittfeldarchitektur
Typology: Residential
Location: Hamburg
Construction: 2021 - 2024
Construction volume site area approximately 4,730m²
Gross Floor Area approximately 19,000m²
190 rental units (33% publicly funded)
Underground car park with 400 bicycle and 50 vehicle spaces, 30% of them for car sharing
Won the ldeenPreis Wohnbau Hamburg Award 2020