GARBE Urban Real Estate Germany has done pioneering work with the development of the multi-award-winning roots timber high-rise in Hamburg's HafenCity and is using its expertise for the next phase: URBANROOTS stands as a further development for a concept that combines serial timber hybrid construction in the rental apartment segment with the implementation of additional services such as urban gardening, home office spaces or rehearsal and fitness rooms as well as digital infrastructure with a neighbourhood app. This is intended to promote the community aspect within the neighbourhoods, which contributes to the additional quality of life. The first projects under this umbrella brand are already being planned. In Cologne-Raderthal, the Marienhof will be built on around 11,500 m² of rental space with 195 apartments, and in Cologne-Rondorf, 170 rental apartments will be built on 13,300 m² of gross floor space.
"With the URBANROOTS concept, we are taking the next step, which builds on our experience with our roots timber high-rise, among other things. We combine our expertise in elementary timber construction with the demand for the development of neighborhoods that strengthen interaction and community and also connect them on a digital level through a neighborhood app," explains Christoph Reschke, Managing Director of GARBE Urban Real Estate Germany. "An urban building block is being created that closes a gap in demand for sustainable, high-quality, modern housing construction and addresses different housing needs. In the individual projects, we specifically supplement the offer with subsidised housing shares, thus creating a balanced social mix in the neighbourhood. The integration of social and digital components creates a place that is more than just living. Quality of life manifests itself on different levels and starts with the living space and its surroundings. With URBANROOTS, we are contributing to this by offering more than a standard residential quarter."
The URBANROOTS system relies on the use of timber element construction. The use of the renewable raw material wood, which also binds CO₂, creates the basis for a positive ecological balance in new buildings. For every cubic metre of wood used, the equivalent of about one tonne of CO₂ is stored in the building. In addition, the prefabricated construction method ensures a reduction in construction time, a reduction in construction site emissions and reliable cost structures due to the high degree of prefabrication.
The implementation is carried out in accordance with the KfW standard EH 40-QNG. Furthermore, certification by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) is being sought and the receipt of the AFBA seal, which identifies buildings that are certified as allergy-friendly according to strict medical and scientific criteria. It guarantees the use of low-emission materials and optimized indoor air quality to minimize allergens and emissions.
In URBANROOTS neighborhoods, the community idea plays an important role and is to be promoted with additional offers. Attractive open spaces, fitness areas, urban gardening areas, communal roof terraces or a home office lounge invite you to meet and engage in activities together. New offers such as a music rehearsal room, a workshop for bicycle repair, or a washing facility for dogs can also be found in the projects. Urban mobility is also ensured by a sharing offer of cars and cargo bikes. The neighbourhood app enables the booking of services and facilitates communication between residents and service partners and the landlord.
