The investment and asset manager aam2core, which focuses on real estate, is continuing to drive forward the sustainable development of the Cologne residential district “Ford”, which it manages: With the comprehensive energy-efficient renovation of the portfolio located in the Niehl district, the company is making targeted investments in the future viability of the properties. The first construction work began last month and is expected to be completed in June 2027.
The fully let portfolio comprises a total of 17 apartment buildings with 87 residential units at Halfengasse 3–23, Hermesgasse 117–121 and Merkenicher Straße 236–240a. The buildings were erected in the 1960s. The Frankfurt-based real estate company aam2core acquired the residential ensemble in 2023 for a special fund.
“The energy-efficient modernization of the housing stock in Cologne is a key component of our long-term manage-to-green strategy. With our project, we are not only achieving a significant improvement in energy efficiency, but also increasing the quality of living for our tenants. The measures will also be reflected in the permanent reduction of operating costs. In this way, we also raise the value of the real estate,” says Stefan de Greiff, board member at aam2core.
As part of the renovation, the buildings will be developed to the KfW 55 EE standard. In addition, BAFA-funded individual measures are being implemented. This includes, among other things, the renewal of the façades including insulation, the replacement of all windows and the insulation of the roofs and basement ceilings. In addition, photovoltaic systems will be installed to supply the new air-to-air heat pumps and the central ventilation systems with heat recovery with electricity. The new heat pumps will enable tenants to heat as well as cool in the future.
For the structural implementation, Goldbeck Technical Solutions will take over the services in the area of the building envelope. The company is part of the construction and services company Goldbeck, which operates throughout Europe. Patrick Möller, Managing Director of Goldbeck Technical Solutions GmbH, comments: “Today, energy-efficient renovations must not only be technically and economically convincing, but also function during ongoing operation. In this project, we are responsible for modernizing the building envelope of 17 apartment buildings while people continue to live in their apartments. Our aim is to combine energy efficiency, value retention and the smoothest possible implementation for the residents. This is precisely the particular strength of systematically planned renovation projects.”
In addition, the Cologne-based air conditioning expert K3 is responsible for the installation of the air-to-air heat pumps and ventilation systems in the project. The company Solis GmbH, which is also based in the cathedral city, is implementing the photovoltaic systems envisaged in the ESG action plan.
The Ford residential quarter is located in the north of the Rhine metropolis. The micro-location near the river is still closely linked to the Ford plants, which have shaped the district for almost 100 years. Cologne city centre and the main train station can be reached within a 15-minute drive, and Cologne/Bonn Airport is about 25 minutes away.
