Sustainable, smart and healthy: EDGE HafenCity Hamburg celebrates topping-out ceremony

• 22,500 square metres of flexible overall rental space with a modern design
• 7 floors in the base structure and 9 floors in the tower building
• Innovative landmark architecture in the central square of the Elbbrücken quarter
• Energy-efficient and the first building in Hamburg to be pre-certified with WELL Core &Shell at platinum level as well as the platinum HafenCity Ecolabel

Real estate developer, Edge, celebrated the topping-out of its second EDGE building – on the Amerigo Vespucci Square in Hamburg's HafenCity today. Designed by HENN architects using innovative, landmark architecture, the smart office building will offer around 22,500 square metres of state-of-the-art flexible office space. Comprising a seven-floor base structure and a nine-floor tower, the building will be both energy-efficient and healthy, and has already received a Platinum WELL Core pre-certification.

Upon completion, the building is also set to be awarded a platinum HafenCity Ecolabel.Marking the topping-out ceremony, Dr Andreas Kleinau, Chairman of the Board of HafenCity Ham- burg GmbH, stated:

EDGE HafenCity Hamburg, with its cantilevered tower and deep arcades, will shape the modern face of the Amerigo Vespucci Square architecturally. The project is also a perfect example of how smart solutions can be used universally to achieve the highest levels of sustainabil- ity and optimize user well-being. By collaborating with researchers from HafenCity University, the project fits right into HafenCitys tradition of contributing to general social development with inno- vations.

Bianca Glaesner, Executive Development Director at Edge Germany, also highlighted the synergy between the project and the location:

Hamburgs HafenCity is based on a fascinating urban devel- opment concept that creates an optimal setting for our technology-savvy sustainability strategy and our user-focused approach to modern, flexible working and healthy design. We are delighted to showcase the HafenCity success story through two projects, because we are convinced that this lo- cation will help deliver key messages for better buildings and healthier working practices benefiting both people and the environment. I am extremely grateful to everyone involved and, of course, especially to the on-site construction teams!

Martin Schick, Managing Director of Bauwens GmbH & Co KG, responsible for construction planning and implementation, went on to add:

The EDGE HafenCity project is one of the most modern commercial properties in Hamburg. The project is fascinating not only because of its unique design, but also as a result of its clear focus on user well-being and the need for operational flexibility as well as the highly advanced EDGE Next technology used for this purpose. In addition, EDGE HafenCity sets new standards in terms of ecological sustainability. We look forward to providing our services - implementation planning and construction, until this exceptional project becomes a reality!

Outstanding in terms of architecture and design
Architecturally, EDGE HafenCity Hamburg's most striking exterior features are its cantilevered tower and the arcades that extend the project to the square. Inside, the building focuses on a generous sense of space with communicative and inspiring shared spaces, such as an open, light- flooded atrium accentuated by an inviting, health-promoting curved staircase, attractively designed gastronomy areas, a green outdoor terrace and three large roof terraces offering a panoramic view of the Hanse city.

The workplaces and conference areas were designed according to the company's own concept for sustainable and future-proof office development. The offer is of the highest quality and can be used flexibly and rented at short notice. More so, the office space available for small- scale rental provides structural flexibility for companies that are not yet in a position to estimate their future workspace requirements due to the transformation of the working world.

Innovative for people and the environment
The backbone of the IoT-capable EDGE Next communication infrastructure installed in the building is a state-of-the-art IP backbone as the building's digital highway. Everything and everyone in the building is anonymously connected using a wired or wireless approach. With the smart building app, brightness, temperature, sun protection and numerous other settings can also be individually controlled to optimise and personalise the workplace.

Furthermore, EDGE Next will provide data on the building’s energy consumption and use of space , which, in collaboration with HafenCity University, will also be used for research scientific data analysis aimed at optimising the environmental impact of EDGE HafenCity as well as other buildings. The aim is to maintain efforts to reduce operational carbon emissions to eventually reach zero operational carbon emissions over the lifetime of the building. Renewable energy, photovoltaic panels and industrial waste heat via the district heating will also be used for this purpose.

Furthermore, the building will offer excellent connectivity to the public transport system, encouraging the utilization of public or eco-friendly modes of transporta- tion. This will be facilitated by a limited number of car parking spaces and a spacious and attractive indoor area dedicated to bicycle parking, complete with shower facilities and lockers.

EDGE HafenCity’s tenants will include commercial law firms, Fieldfisher, Fieldfisher X and the envi- ronment-focused company, Veolia. Completion is planned for early 2024.