Diverse Living Spaces
UpperNord Tower: Düsseldorf's Tallest Residential Tower Set to Open Mid-2022
Rising at the northern gateway to Düsseldorf's city centre, the UpperNord Tower will be the city's tallest residential high-rise, standing 120 metres tall. Designed by the internationally acclaimed architectural firm Sauerbruch Hutton, this iconic residential tower on Mercedesstraße spans 36 floors with approximately 26,000 m² of space, housing roughly 430 units. Floors 2–8 offer price-controlled apartments aligned with Düsseldorf's "Housing Action Plan," while floors 9–35 feature modern, upscale residential apartments. Ground-level amenities include office spaces and dining options, complemented by a 270-space underground car park with approximately 10% allocated for e-mobility. A separately designed low-rise building annexed to the tower accommodates a hotel with restaurant. A striking glass-roofed foyer ties the two structures together, creating a unified gateway to the residential tower, hotel, and dining facilities.
The UpperNord Tower addresses the realities of urbanisation, housing scarcity, and contemporary living. This pioneering mixed-use concept marries intelligent space planning with vibrant commercial and co-working spaces—all wrapped in a striking architectural presence. Apartments spanning floors 9–35 connect residents to shared communal zones, with optional concierge and lifestyle services available. The result is a compelling new model of urban living, particularly suited to working professionals seeking flexible, short-term accommodation.
The façade is engineered for performance—delivering superior thermal comfort, sun control, acoustic insulation, and wind resistance through an intelligent hybrid ventilation system that responds to the building's dynamic needs. Wind-sheltered openable flaps enable natural air circulation, while strategically integrated mechanical ventilation units maintain comfort without compromise. The façade's distinctive texture comes from relief-textured coloured glass cladding that creates visual rhythm and depth across the building's surface. Completion is targeted for mid-2022.
(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 02|20)