Sustainability Report
Embedded Carbon
Carbon emissions were calculated using the ÖKOBAUDAT database (provided by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building).
Vectorworks was used to calculate the carbon captured in the materials, across all main parts of the building.
The parking garage is primarily a mass timber structure, constructed with CLT floors and glulam beams and columns. For static and fire safety reasons, the ramps and two stairwells are made of concrete. Floors have a durable mastic asphalt surface. The extensive use of wood acts as a carbon store, while the minimal use of carbon-intensive materials like concrete and steel significantly reduces the project’s carbon footprint.
The project is carbon negative because the carbon captured in the materials is significantly higher than the carbon emissions.
Operational Emissions / Energy
A photovoltaic system is mounted on the green roof, providing renewable energy. This energy meets the electricity needs for the lift, lighting, and e-charging stations, with any surplus energy redirected to the grid. The project, therefore, has no operational carbon emissions.
The open facade provides natural light and ventilation, eliminating the need for costly ventilation technology and fire protection systems.
A comprehensive rainwater management plan, designed to be resilient to heavy rainfall and climate-friendly, aims to replenish groundwater and promote evaporation. It includes the green roof and green facades, infiltration basins, cisterns, tree pits, and permeable surfaces, positively impacting vegetation, flood protection, and the local microclimate. The concept is underpinned by the innovative “sponge city” urban planning model, which serves as the basis for the Otto Quarter’s development. The “sponge city” urban planning model is a nature-based technique that effectively uses the landscape to collect, filter, and reuse rainwater.
Afterlife
The wooden parking garage has been designed with future adaptive reuse in mind. Each storey has a 2.35-metre floor height and a 3.4-metre height between beams, as opposed to the 2.1-metre height of a conventional parking garage. This increased height and the absence of columns will enable future conversion of the parking garage into residential or office accommodation. The centrally located ramps can be removed floor by floor to create a naturally illuminated interior courtyard.
Composite materials were avoided and all connections were fitted using screws or interlocking joints, ensuring the easy disassembly, separation, and reuse of materials.
Key products in low carbon design
