Type Commercial offices

Location Kaiserplatz 1
Frankfurt
Hesse, Germany

Coordinates
50°06′38″N 8°40′27″ECoordinates:
50°06′38″N 8°40′27″E

Construction 1994
started

Opening 1997

Cost DM600 million

Owner sold to Samsung Insurance

Corporation for EUR 620 million,
sold-and-leased back until 2031 by
Commerzbank[1]

Height

Antenna 300.1 m (985 ft)

spire

Roof 258.7 m (849 ft)

Technical details

Floor count 56

Floor area 109,200 m2(1,175,000 sq ft)

Design and construction

Architect Norman Foster

Developer Commerzbank

Structural Arup
engineer Krebs und Kiefer
 Main Hochtief AG
contractor

 Site and Climate

The building design responds to prevailing winds and solar orientation, to ensure
optimum ventilation and daylight penetration.

 Form and Massing

The triangular shape and central atrium assisted in the creation of a zone of negative
pressure, that drives natural ventilation through the building.
Passive DesignThe building was designed to be naturally ventilated for 60% of the
year, with the sky gardens allowing natural ventilation during shoulder seasons. This
approach was expected to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to an
equivalent air conditioned office.

 Environmental SystemsCooling is provided by chilled ceilings, while heating is from

perimeter heating. Windows are connected to the BMS to ensure that the mechanical
ventilation only works when the windows are closed. Artificial lighting is connected
to motion sensors and timers.
\.

 Mobility and Connectivity

The central infill site location of the project, is also key to its connectivity and access
as it is close to public transport links.

 Materials and Waste

The development reused and restored the existing perimeter buildings which reduced
materials consumption. Even before the existence of the Forestry Stewardship
Council, all timber used in the building was taken from managed sources. Operational
waste segregation facilities are provided and catering waste is composted.WaterTo
reduce potable water consumption, the condensate from the chillers was recycled, and
used for WC flushing

 Land and Ecology

Large sky gardens with a diverse ecological profile were used to provide informal
break out spaces with views of the city. This incorporation of landscaping, and the
other sustainable design responses, led to Commerzbank being dubbed as the world’s
first ‘ecological office tower’.

 Culture and Heritage

The tower, built in the centre of Frankfurt, was designed with respect to existing
historical structures and the buildings surround. The project reused and restored the
existing perimeter buildings of the site, which helped to maintain the streetscape.

PLAN
 VIEW FROM THE IRON BRIDGE

SEEN FROM THE TOP OF MAIN ENTRANCE

TOWER
 SECTION SOUTHERN VIEW

AT NIGHT STREET LEVEL VIEW