Just steps from the Cologne-Porz-Wahn S-Bahn station, a new mixed-use district is emerging in the shadow of the historic Wahn Castle. The urban development strategy aims to strengthen and diversify the Porz-Wahn neighbourhood while breathing new life into the local centre. Architects Schönborn have designed and completed the first office building on the commercial site, with a complementary structure planned for the second phase of construction. Together, these two buildings form an ensemble where each responds dynamically to the other.
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Clad in anthracite-coloured architectural concrete panels, the newly completed office building makes a bold, confident statement. It sits on a green forecourt—part of the development's integrated approach to the site. From here, visitors enter the central reception space, which soars across two storeys. Slender aluminium window frames and sun-control elements anodized to a refined finish create an elegant aesthetic. The external shading system affords individual tenants precise control over direct sunlight and natural daylight in their work areas. The structured window grid of the reinforced concrete frame allows complete flexibility in how office spaces are configured. Currently, the building accommodates a diverse mix of open-plan offices, combination spaces, smart offices, and private offices—all tailored to the tenant's specific needs. "The interior architects designed these dynamic spaces to feel bright and welcoming," explains Andreas Schönborn. "The layout embodies the ethos of contemporary working culture." The spatial offering extends to a fitness facility, café, and lounge areas dedicated to both collaboration and relaxation. Additional amenities include outdoor seating on the ground floor and planted terraces on the roof.

Climate control throughout all office floors is managed by an integrated radiant heating and cooling ceiling system. An air-water heat pump paired with photovoltaic panels already supplies the required energy today. Looking ahead, a holistic energy strategy will be implemented across the entire neighbourhood. Plans call for installing an ice storage facility in subsequent construction phases to bank climate-neutral energy for future use. It's a clear commitment to forward-thinking energy solutions.

www.architekten-schoenborn.de

Photography Credits:

Lukas Palik
www.lukaspalik.de

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 01|23)