Using a 1:1 scale mock-up, we worked with our clients Quantum Immobilien AG and PROXIMUS REAL ESTATE AG to sample the new facade of Central Cross and define the final color tone.
The technically complex double facade is an important part of the revitalization of the 12-storey office building from the 1960s. Located at a busy intersection in the heart of Cologne’s vibrant city center, demolition of the existing building initially seemed unavoidable. It no longer met today’s requirements in terms of comfort, energy efficiency and quality of stay. Instead, the bold decision was made to preserve and convert the building, which will save over 2,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
The new facade meets several requirements at the same time: It protects against the high noise emissions, significantly improves the lighting and ensures special user comfort with its individually opening windows. The vertically accentuated copper-colored pilaster strips and the scaled structure give the Central Cross a new appearance that makes it a contemporary urban building block.