Germany’s tallest timber build “Roots” achieves completion, incorporating Lumon’s smart glazing technology

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25th September 2024 – Roots, a pioneering 65-meter timber high-rise in Hamburg’s HafenCity quarter, has reached completion. The landmark building overlooking the River Elbe is known as Germany’s tallest timber construction, featuring 181 flats, office spaces, and exhibition areas across 18 floors. Developed by Garbe-Immobilien Projekte GmbH, the project emphasizes sustainability through innovative solutions, one of which is Lumon’s glazing solutions. 

Lumon’s smart glazing solutions enhance energy efficiency, protect the wooden structures from harsh weather, and ensure high living comfort with added usable space. One central element for choosing Lumon’s glazing solutions is also the exceptionally high wind loads in the area, especially on the upper floors of the building.  The project also includes bird-protection screen-printed glass, further enhancing its harmony with nature.   

“There is always wind in Hamburg, especially on the Elbe. It was therefore important for us to offer wind-protected loggias. We also realized that our customers really appreciate being able to sit outside on their balconies even in bad weather conditions. This is only possible with complete glazing, that can be opened and closed easily without major problems, making it very versatile. That’s why we opted for Lumon”, explains Fabian von Köppen, Managing Director of Garbe Immobilien GmbH. 

With around 130 meters of circumferential glazing, the glazing is exposed to high wind loads. With a wide range of products and extensive tests and measurements, wind load tests take into account the loads of the system weight in the vertical direction as well as the wind load including wind pressure and draft in the horizontal direction.   

“In this project, we have shown where our strengths lie,” continues Mariusz Mieszkowski, Technical Manager at Lumon. “We combine a minimalist design, which is characterized by a few profiles and discreet glazing beads, with a lot of glass that does not take away from the design of the facade. This has resulted in an optimal combination of technology and design, particularly in view of the high wind loads to be absorbed.”  

Lumon’s installation process was meticulous, involving precise on-site measurements and floor-by-floor installation during construction. Planning construction site logistics has been a crucial part of the success of the project, as working phases have been completed in due time and in the right order.   

“This project was a technical masterpiece involving all disciplines. I am proud that we contributed to this with our collective efforts, involving everyone from sales to installation. It is great to see this project come to life, a true landmark for the city of Hamburg,” concludes Jussi Kinnunen, Lumon Group CEO.

Photo credits: architekturfotografie-bach.de