Moringa Hamburg HafenCity: Start of building construction for groundbreaking project
The realization of one of Germany's most groundbreaking—because it is also one of the most sustainable—construction projects is progressing. Moringa GmbH, a company belonging to the Landmarken family, has secured the services of the experienced Lupp Group as the contractor for its pilot project "Moringa Hamburg HafenCity." Work has already begun on the construction site of Germany's first cradle-to-cradle-inspired residential high-rise.
After excavation and shoring work on the site in the Elbbrücken district of HafenCity was completed, work began in April on exposing and cutting the existing bored piles and preparatory measures for the shell construction. "It was important for us to find an experienced general contractor for this flagship project in Hamburg. We are therefore all the more delighted to be able to realize this innovative project with Adolf Lupp GmbH & Co. KG," says Jochen Wismann, Head of Construction Management at Landmarken AG, which is carrying out the technical implementation on behalf of Moringa GmbH.
At the end of April, fine excavation work began on the construction site at Baakenhafen, located directly on the waterfront, as a preparatory measure for the shell construction. At the same time, Züblin is completing the remaining work on the deep foundations. Construction of the floor slab is currently underway. The entire complex is scheduled for completion in 2026. "Sustainable construction is an important issue for our family business," says Michael Fuchs, managing director of the Lupp Group. "We are therefore very pleased to be able to build this groundbreaking showcase project for Moringa Hamburg HafenCity."
As the first residential building to consistently apply the cradle-to-cradle principle, Moringa focuses not only on high ecological standards, but also on social sustainability in particular. Due to its unique combination of climate- and resource-friendly construction with affordable living, the project is considered a trendsetter for the entire industry. "We want to show that the consistent application of the circular economy principle is the right answer to our environmental problems and climate goals," says Vanja Schneider, managing director of Moringa GmbH. Around 80 percent of the construction and furnishing materials (KGR 300, DIN 276) can be dismantled, sorted by type, and reused. This intensive recyclability is unprecedented.
Moringa – the name comes from the healing Asian tree Moringa Oleifera – consistently strives to conclude take-back agreements with manufacturers and suppliers, which stipulate that used materials must be taken back and reused. Such an agreement has already been concluded with Kaldewei, for example. The bathroom manufacturer undertakes to take back all bathroom products installed in Moringa after their dismantling and to reuse them. Even before construction of Moringa begins, this ensures that the products – in this case, shower surfaces, washbasins, and bathtubs made of steel enamel – will be returned to the material cycle even if the building is eventually demolished.
"It is a wonderful sign that such an ambitious construction project is going ahead even in these difficult times," says Dr. Andreas Kleinau, CEO of HafenCity Hamburg GmbH. "We were happy to support Moringa in this because we are convinced that the concept is a very good fit for HafenCity. A green, socially diverse neighborhood is being created around Baakenhafen with a wide range of housing options, including a high proportion of subsidized housing, but also projects for building communities and special groups. Moringa, with its circular economy approach and mix of uses, is a perfect fit here."
The ambitious project, with a gross floor area of around 24,000 m², offers numerous socially significant functions. All 192 residential units are rental apartments, 83 of which are publicly subsidized. This exceeds the legally prescribed quota of 33 percent. In addition, the ensemble designed by kadawittfeldarchitektur will also offer communal areas, a modern co-living concept, and co-working spaces operated by POHA House, a sister company of Landmarken specializing in sustainable co-spaces. The restaurant area on the wharf level and two separate retail spaces also represent a useful addition to the building's functionality. The five-story Villa Luna daycare center, which will provide 80 places and thus an important childcare service in HafenCity, will even incorporate the topic of circular economy into its educational program.
Moringa is also the first building in HafenCity with a green façade. In total, 100 percent of the built-up floor space, including the roof, will be greened. This improves air quality, prevents heat islands, and counteracts the effects of soil sealing. District heating from waste heat is used for sustainable energy supply, and electricity is generated by photovoltaics. Permanent energy monitoring will optimize low-emission and energy-efficient operation.
Not least because of the combination of climate-friendly construction and affordable living space, this project is considered a trendsetter for the industry. "A big step for Hamburg and HafenCity, but also for us as the Landmarken family," says Landmarken CEO Jens Kreiterling. "We want to take responsibility and not only explore the possibilities of sustainable and resource-efficient construction, but also tackle concrete implementations. We will also learn a lot from Moringa for our future project developments."
