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PROJECTS / KÖ BOGEN II

8 Kilometres of Hornbeam Hedges – Europe’s Largest Green Facade 

The facade with 8 kilometres of hornbeam hedges and over 30,000 plants is an essential element of the Kö-Bogen II commercial and office building. The ensemble signifies the culmination of a comprehensive urban renewal initiative in central Düsseldorf. Moreover, it symbolizes a paradigm shift in urban planning, marking a transition away from the automotive-centric era towards a more human-centered approach.

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Düsseldorf’s new city centre
 

Today, the Hofgarten has reclaimed its place in the city center, where a raised motorway once dominated the scenery. The sloping green facades of Kö-Bogen II face each other, creating a composition reminiscent of Land Art. This new complex intentionally blurs the distinction between urban environment and parkland. Together, these structures create a vibrant gateway to Gustaf-Gründgens-Platz, offering expansive views of post-war modernist landmarks.

Featuring Europe’s largest green facade, it presents an urban strategy in response to climate change. Restoring greenery to the cityscape has been a longstanding commitment for Christoph Ingenhoven across diverse climate zones and decades. Through the supergreen® concept, Ingenhoven adopts a holistic approach to sustainability.

Going green 

 

The choice of hornbeam, a native hardwood species retaining its foliage through winter, was deliberate. Collaboratively with Prof. Dr. Strauch from Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, a thorough phytotechnological concept was devised to integrate these hedges seamlessly into the building's design. This greenery enhances the microclimate of the city.

During summer, it provides shade against the sun's rays and diminishes urban heat while also absorbing carbon dioxide, retaining moisture, dampening noise, and promoting biodiversity. The ecological impact of the hornbeam hedges is comparable to that of approximately 80 mature deciduous trees. This fusion of natural elements with architectural design presents a modern urban approach to addressing climate change.

The stark simplicity of the Dreischeibenhaus (1960) and the airy elegance of the Schauspielhaus (1970), both of which were renovated, have influenced the design of Kö-Bogen II. This contemporary development pays homage to these historic landmarks without overshadowing them. Since 1992, Christoph Ingenhoven has been dedicated to reshaping the heart of Düsseldorf through studies, urban planning concepts, and tangible projects.

Data

International Competition 2014, 1st Prize

Construction Start 2017
Completion 2020
Client CENTRUM Development

GFA ​ Office Building: 41,370 m²

Underground Parking Garage: 23,000 m²

Green Building DGNB Platin, DGNB Diamant​

Credits

Project Management AIP Bauregie

Structural Planning Schüßler-Plan Ingenieurgesellschaft

Development Plan Heinz Jahnen Pflüger – Stadtplaner und Architekten Partnerschaft

Geotechnical Consulting ICG 

Facade Planning – Green Facades and Roofs Werner Sobek

Phytotechnology – Building Greenery

Prof. Dr. Strauch, Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin, Department of Life Sciences and Technology

Consultation on Vegetation Ecology

Prof. Dr. Reif, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Chair of Site Classification and Vegetation Science
Lighting Design Tropp Lighting​

Awards

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2022

DGNB Platin 
DGNB Diamant

2021

Immobilienmanager Award 

Green GOOD DESIGN Award 

Design Educates Awards, Gold 

Grand Prix Du Design 2021, Gold

DAM-Preis 2022, Shortlist

MIPIM Awards, Nominee

WAF Awards, Shortlist

ICONIC Awards, Best of Best

WAN Awards, Shortlist

ABB Leaf Awards, Shortlist

Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis, Shortlist

Prix Versailles, Special Prize Exterior

AMP Awards, Best of Best Green Architecture

2020

Architekturpreis Düsseldorf

2019

Polis Award, 1st Prize „Reaktivierte Zentren“

2016

MIPIM Future Projects Award, Recognition​​

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