Wiel Arets Architects, Amsterdam | HKR+ Architekten, Köln

FRIEDRICH UND KARL
COLOGNE (DE)

The Friedrich und Karl office development in Cologne marks another milestone in sustainable construction through modern timber engineering. As one of Germany's largest hybrid timber office developments, with a gross floor area of more than 66,000 m², the project showcases WIEHAG's Timber Intelligence—from intensive pre-construction and 3D planning to detailed design, precision prefabrication at our manufacturing facility and on-site installation.

TIMBER IMPACT

BIG VISION
SMALLER CARBON FOOTPRINT

Friedrich und Karl exemplifies the transition towards climate-responsive construction. Its hybrid timber design significantly reduces emissions from the outset by minimising the building's embodied carbon while storing large amounts of CO₂ over the long term within the timber structure and building envelope. The 5,100 m³ of glulam (BSH) used in the project stores the equivalent of approximately 3,500 tonnes of CO₂, removing it from the atmosphere and locking it into the building. Precision industrial prefabrication also conserves resources and improves construction efficiency.

The project is defined by the highest environmental standards at every level. Green roofs with photovoltaic systems, a sustainable energy concept based on renewable energy sources, and integrated rainwater management systems create a future-focused development. Extensive landscaping enhances the microclimate while promoting
biodiversity within the urban environment.

With DGNB Platinum pre-certification and the targeted Quality Seal for Sustainable Buildings (QNG Plus), the development sets new benchmarks for sustainable office construction, combining environmental responsibility, economic efficiency and a highquality working environment.

TIMBER INTELLIGENCE

HIGH-PRECISION TIMBER COMPONENTS
INSTALLATION READY FROM FACTORY TO SITE

WIEHAG plays a central role throughout the entire development of Friedrich und Karl. During the nearly two-year pre-construction phase, the foundations for an efficient and precise delivery were established in close collaboration with project partners Bauwens, HKR+ Architekten and merz kley partner.

Following the planning and engineering phase, our experienced engineering team at WIEHAG's Altheim manufacturing facility produced the glulam beams and columns, together with large-format timber façade elements. In total, more than 5,100 m³ of glulam (BSH) was used for the project. For the approximately 24,000 m² façade, around 900 elements were manufactured, measuring up to 12 metres in length and 3.8 metres in height. Including the installation of windows, the elements were partially pre-assembled and delivered to site ready for installation.

The high level of prefabrication ensures precise construction sequencing and enables rapid installation on site. Timber components leave the factory in a carefully coordinated sequence, significantly reducing construction time while maintaining consistently high standards of quality and precision—an important advantage on an inner-city project of this scale.

Friedrich und Karl demonstrates WIEHAG's expertise in timber engineering. Engineering, production and logistics are seamlessly integrated through centralised project management, while digital planning, industrial prefabrication and skilled craftsmanship create a continuous process chain that delivers maximum efficiency and the highest standards of execution.

TIMBER HIGHLIGHT

URBAN LIVING
SURROUNDED BY WOOD

Designed as an urban infill development on the former DuMont printing works site, Friedrich und Karl combines architectural quality with functional versatility in the heart of Cologne. The development comprises several interconnected buildings, creating workplaces for around 2,400 people.

The exposed timber structure throughout the interior is a defining feature of the building's biophilic design. It makes the natural material immediately tangible, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A flexible layout combines open and enclosed spaces, incorporating generous office areas, inspiring collaboration zones, multimedia training facilities and shared amenities.

Landscaped courtyards and urban communal spaces create high-quality outdoor environments. An innovative mobility concept, with excellent public transport connections, generous bicycle parking and electric vehicle charging stations, supports sustainable transport. The result is a future-focused workplace that places equal emphasis on user wellbeing and architectural quality.

With #friedrichundkarl, we are creating a campus that sets a new benchmark in sustainability, materiality, and workplace quality — bringing people together and fostering a true sense of community.