Redesign of the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce building

The contract involves converting and refurbishing the headquarters of the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce – parts of which are listed buildings – into a sustainable and modern building. To meet its future needs, the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce is utilising and expanding the building’s potential and, by further developing the existing structure and bringing all of the Chamber’s functions together in one location, is laying the foundations for the long-term use and further development of the site. Another important aspect is the building’s prestigious central location, which underscores the significance and function of the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

The total floor area amounts to approximately 18,000 square metres GFA, of which approximately 8,000 square metres is new construction as part of the redevelopment. The planning (Service Phase 5) for the property is also included.

In the spirit of collaborative project management, the tender phase was already conducted through close dialogue and transparent communication between the client, the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and the main contractor, Züblin. The detailed design, the construction specifications and the construction costs were jointly developed and contractually agreed upon.

The building was originally constructed in two phases in 1950 and 1956. The construction works include, amongst other things, the reinforcement of the foundations using the high-pressure grouting method (HDI), the complete demolition of the trading floor from the roof down to the foundations, and its subsequent reconstruction, including a new basement. Parts of the building will be lowered to make the ground floor threshold-free and accessible. A four-storey extension on the east side of the building is intended to complete the building’s original horseshoe shape. The building will be completed by several further extensions. The listed existing façades will be refurbished during the construction work, whilst the new sections will be built with mullion-and-transom façades.

In addition to the extensive structural work, the building will undergo energy-efficiency refurbishment and a completely redesigned building services system will be installed. The fit-out will implement a new overall layout, which provides for the creation of open-plan offices on the 2nd to 4th floors. Training and examination rooms will be created on the 1st floor, whilst the ground floor will take on particular significance, as it essentially comprises three halls: the Börsensaal, which can accommodate up to 800 people, and the Camphausensaal and Merkensaal, each with a capacity of up to 120 people. In the Börsen and Camphausensaal halls, the listed wall cladding will be reinstalled following extensive restoration.

Site logistics present a particular challenge due to the building’s inner-city location in Cologne’s banking district, close to Cologne Cathedral.

The project is aiming for ‘Sustainable Construction Site’ DGNB certification from the German Sustainable Building Council.

Certified by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB)

In this project, Ed. Züblin AG is aiming, amongst other things, to use resources efficiently, reduce emissions and ensure health and safety on the construction site. In addition, measures are being implemented to take account of the interests of local residents and the neighbourhood. The construction site has been certified in accordance with the DGNB standard ‘Sustainable Construction Site’.

Further information on the DGNB system for sustainable construction sites can be found here: https://www.dgnb-system.de/de/gebaeude/baustelle/

Selected measures within the project