European Central Bank

European Central Bank - Shell of the building ensemble

The new European Central Bank (ECB) building in Frankfurt am Main is one of the most important construction projects in Europe. A modern administrative complex was built on the site of the listed Grossmarkthalle in Frankfurt's Ostend district, combining historical architecture with innovative building construction. The design by the renowned Viennese architecture firm Coop Himmelb(l)au integrates the Grossmarkthalle into an ensemble of two high-rise towers and a connecting atrium. Today, the project is regarded as an architectural landmark that combines tradition and modernity and as a symbol of European financial architecture.

ZÜBLIN was responsible for the shell construction of the Grossmarkthalle, the external buildings and the high-rise complex. The scope of services included partial demolition, special deep foundations, the construction of solid load-bearing structures, the installation of technical infrastructure and the integration of new components into the listed hall. In addition, the construction site logistics for the client's turnkey fit-out were coordinated. The work placed the highest demands on engineering technology and precision: the historic reinforced concrete structure had to be structurally secured and integrated into the complex geometry of the new building. The combination of old and new required close coordination with architects, specialist planners and the listed building authorities.

The Grossmarkthalle, originally built in 1928, forms the central element of the new ECB complex. It is complemented by two office towers with heights of 185 meters (north tower) and 165 meters (south tower), connected by a 60-meter-high atrium. In total, the new building offers around 185,000 square meters of floor space for around 2,900 workplaces. In addition to the high-rise building, further functional buildings were constructed, including security and technical areas, which were also part of the shell construction contract.

The shell construction work lasted from 2010 to 2012 and the overall project was completed in 2014. ZÜBLIN used the latest methods in structural engineering, the work was carried out under strict safety conditions and in close coordination with the monument protection authorities.

The project stands for technical excellence and architectural innovation. The integration of the historic wholesale market hall into a future-oriented administration building shows how tradition and modernity can be harmoniously combined. With its striking silhouette, the ECB is now a Frankfurt landmark and a reference project for complex shell construction services in structural engineering.

ZÜBLIN construction logistics services

ZÜBLIN Baulogistik was responsible for a wide range of services in this major project: from logistics planning and access control to floor logistics, area and waste disposal management, construction elevators, scaffolding work, media connections, winter services, construction fencing and construction cleaning. A particular challenge was the daily changing supply and disposal of the various trades - a permanent balancing act between material flow, safety and adherence to deadlines.

The dimensions of the project were extraordinary:

• Total height of 185 meters - making it the eighth tallest building in Germany
• Gross floor area of 184,000 m²
• Container facility with 660 units
• Recycling center of around 550 m²
• Disposal of approx. 77,000 m³ of material