The shell of Dockyard office building is complete

Project developer Pecan Development celebrated the topping-out ceremony today in the presence of Alexander Slotty, State Secretary for Construction in the Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development, Building, and Housing. Located direct on the Spree riverside, the “Dockyard” completes the waterfront development of the Osthafen site to striking architectural effect.

The architectural concept was developed together with Berlin-based architecture practice Tchoban Voss using a sustainable timber hybrid structure that is climate-friendly and saves resources. Encompassing around 30,000 square metres, the “Dockyard” offers ultra-modern office spaces as well as restaurant and retail areas on the ground floor. The outdoor areas will be upgraded in line with heritage guidelines, resulting in an extension to the publicly accessible promenade along the North bank of the River Spree. Pecan Development is realizing the project on behalf of Aermont Capital Real Estate Fund IV.

The “Dockyard” sets the benchmark in the area of sustainability – both in terms of its construction and its operation. Key aspects are the timber hybrid structure as well as the use of “green” steel and concrete with recycled aggregates in certain places. Thanks to the innovative energy concept with one of Germany’s largest ice storage facilities as a central element and the use of renewable energy sources such as geothermal, solar, and ambient air, the building will be climate-neutral in its operation. Its compliance with the highest sustainability standards will be proven by LEED Platinum, WELL Platinum, and LEED Zero Carbon certifications. The building’s digital connectivity has already been awarded WiredScore Platinum. The “Dockyard” is scheduled for completion in Q4 2024.

At the topping-out ceremony Alexander Slotty, State Secretary for Construction in the Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development, Building, and Housing, commented: “The development of former inland port sites always calls for very special architectural and usage concepts. With the “Dockyard”, the waterfront along the Spree is gaining a new building that meets the demands of the modern working world. At the same time, though, the building impresses with an integrated sustainability concept that sets new standards. What began here at the Osthafen with a port the loading and unloading of cargo barges will in future continue with a hub for economic innovation in our city.”

Jan Kunze, Managing Partner of Pecan Development, remarked on the project’s special location: “What sets this location apart is, above all, the inspiring waterfront location, but also the immediate surroundings boasting numerous opportunities for activities, culture, gastronomy, and clubs. Dockyard complements these advantages for day-to-day work: from hangouts on the promenade to meetings in the Ufercafé to morning yoga on our large roof terrace.”

Sergei Tchoban of Tchoban Voss Architekten took the occasion to outline the architectural features of the building: “Our goal was to bring a new and striking accent to this very visible location and at the same time to stage the waterfront location in an inviting way with the arcade under the glass connecting building as a public space. Our design focuses on high transparency while at the same time emphasising the sustainable timber hybrid construction by allowing the timber truss structure to be visible.”