Visualization of the Cologne University of Music and Dance
Visualization of the Cologne University of Music and Dance © HPP Architekten GmbH

The Cologne University of Music and Dance

Location: 
Cologne

Build time: 
2022 - 2026

Client: 
Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen (BLB NRW)

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The Cologne University of Music and Dance

Ed. Züblin AG is building the new campus of the University of Music and Dance in a central location in Cologne

Planning and building go hand in hand here: the former technical college building has already been completely renovated. Now a new, central section of the major project is following with the new three-storey extension.

The turnkey construction follows integrated planning from a single source: the team of experts from Central Engineering, Ed. Züblin AG's in-house engineering office, also took on the general planning. The technically complex refurbishment of the former technical college buildings demonstrates the company's expertise in the field of building in existing structures. A certification process as a sustainable building site has already been initiated by the DGNB during the construction phase.

The new extension with its generously glased façade will feature a combined concert hall and dance hall on two levels, an open foyer, a cafeteria, practice rooms and another dance hall. ZÜBLIN not only takes into account the special requirements for acoustics and sound insulation in the new building, but also stands for the sensitive work involved in dismantling the two-storey underground car park and the parallel construction of the excavation pit.

In preparation for the core refurbishment of the neighbouring old technical college building, the ZÜBLIN NRW directorate gutted the four-part building ensemble and subjected it to comprehensive pollutant remediation. It also had to be extensively upgraded statically and technically for its new use. New ceilings were installed all around to cope with the increased load-bearing capacity. The roof was rebuilt and all the windows replaced to improve energy efficiency. A quasi-new-build condition is thus coherently combined with the existing mix of building fabric from 1911 and the 1980s - a project that is as sustainable as it is challenging.

Plan drawing © Quelle: Auszug TIM-online
Source: Excerpt from TIM-online

The project is aiming for "Sustainable Construction Site" certification from the German Sustainable Building Council.

  • Characteristics
    • Plot area (GF): 7,120 m²
    • Developed area: New building: approx. 1,350 m²
      Existing building: approx. 2,200 m²
    • Gross floor area (GFA): New building: approx. 5,400 m²
      Existing building: approx. 10,500 m²
    • Above ground: new building: ground floor + 2 upper floors
      Existing building: ground floor + 4 upper floors
    • Underground: New construction: 1 basement level
      Existing: 1 basement level
    • Demolition of library extension: approx. 995 m³
    • Demolition of underground parking garage: approx. 4,100 m³ + 3,000 m³ superstructure
    • Energy standard: all houses are KfW40 certified

    The construction project is divided into BA 1 - existing building and BA 2 - new building.

  • Construction time
    • Start January 2023
    • Completion June 2026
  • Construction site regular operation
    • Monday to Friday 07:00 to 18:00
    • Saturday 07:00 to 15:00
    • There is generally no work on Sundays and public holidays.

Certified by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB)

Ed. Züblin AG is pursuing several goals with this project: A sustainable construction site organisation, the conservation of resources as well as the minimisation of emissions, responsibility for the health and well-being of the builders, the cultivation of good neighbourliness and, of course, high-quality construction. For this, Ed. Züblin AG was the first company to be recognised by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).

Here you can find more information about the DGNB system for sustainable construction sites: https://www.dgnb.de/en/certification/buildings/construction-site

Selected measures in the project

  • Noise protection
    • The planned replacement of the windows in the existing buildings will only take place after the demolition and shell construction work in the existing buildings. The new windows are to be installed before the extension work in the existing buildings. This means that the facades can be kept closed during the work in the existing buildings.
    • There will be a noise barrier in phases 1 and 2.1 on Dagobertstrasse to protect the immediate neighborhood. In addition, a construction fence with noise protection mats will be provided on the neighboring property to the west.
    • All construction machinery is used according to the state of the art and only operated when it is actually performing. Moreover, this does not take place directly on the neighboring borders.
  • Semi-finished parts

    The use of semi-finished parts (filigree slabs, cavity walls, parapets, beams) enables a shorter construction time to be achieved. The volume of waste is also reduced thanks to the prefabricated orders.

  • Saving resources and reducing emissions through LEAN Construction

    As part of the LEAN approach, a production plan with call-off dates was created. Changes from the construction process are constantly taken into account and just-in-time deliveries can be better implemented. Reorders and new orders due to late changes to the plan are avoided.

Certification contact person Christina Willms
Project contact Josch Hünseler / Lea Trienes
Construction site address Thürmchenswall 42 - 54
and Dagobertstraße 39 - 55
50668 Cologne

Phone +49 221 824-3212
ZÜBLIN Subdivision NRW
Secretariat Unit Cologne
Download Press release
Link DGNB: Certification
Client:
https://www.blb.nrw.de/einblicke/