On 8 May 2026, Rolf Messerschmidt, CEO of Build4People’s project partner Eble Messerschmidt Partner, spoke during the topping-out ceremony of a pioneering eco building, the We-House Baakenhafen at HafenCity Hamburg. This was because Eble Messerschmidt Partner designed this lighthouse project.
The We-House Baakenhafen building combines abundant sustainable features, among others:
β»οΈ Life-cycle optimized climate-friendly hybrid wood construction with a renewable energy concept.
β»οΈ A rooftop forest and garden, as well as the green facades, improve the microclimate in summer and create habitats for birds and insects.
β»οΈ A large rooftop greenhouse which will provide the space for growing about 3 tons of crisp lettuce, herbs, and micro-greens for the we-house restaurant, as well as for several other gourmet spots in Hamburg.
β»οΈ Heat recovery from living space exhaust air is used to heat the rooftop greenhouse.
β»οΈ Rainwater harvesting for the rooftop greenhouse.
β»οΈ Heat recovery from the restaurantβs ventilation system.
β»οΈ Greywater from showers and sinks is treated into service water and used for toilets and garden irrigation.
β»οΈ Glue-free solid wood exterior walls for optimal indoor air quality and maximum comfort.
β»οΈ Concrete ceilings made from low-carbon cement providing optimal sound insulation between apartments.
β»οΈ Low heating requirements and low operating costs.
β»οΈ PV rooftop solar installations meeting the buildingβs electricity needs and powering the charging stations for e-vehicles in the garage.
Opening of this lighthouse project which has received six platinum certificates for its various sustainability qualities, in total, so far, is scheduled for October 2026. π
