DEVK headquarters, Cologne | Germany

Client: DEVK Versicherung, Cologne

Architect: Lengfeld & Wilisch Architekten PartG mbB, Darmstadt

Project period: 2022 – 2028

Services: Planning site supervision, sanitary systems, heating systems, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, cooling systems, electrical systems, IT and communications systems, building automation systems, fire protection engineering, lighting design
Services by MorgenGrün: Energy concept, DGNB certification, BEG funding advice, thermal building physics, building acoustics, room acoustics, thermal simulation of underground car park, immssion control simulation

Net costs building services in €: 45,000,000

Refurbishment of the DEVK headquarters

The DEVK headquarters in Cologne on Riehler Straße is currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation. At the heart of the project is the energy-efficient modernization of the existing 1980 building, which has approximately 67,000 square meters of gross floor area and is set to meet the DGNB Gold standard in the future.

ZWP Ingenieur-AG is responsible for the building’s technical equipment in close coordination with the architects. The core of the energy concept is the conversion of two existing chillers into large heat pumps, which use groundwater from three suction wells as a natural energy source. The water is returned to the Rhine via a cross-connection under Rhein-Ufer-Straße, creating a maximum temperature delta for highly efficient utilization of the available energy potential. The concept is complemented by large-scale photovoltaic systems and a comprehensive energy optimization of the building envelope. Digital measurements and simulation-based analyses sustainably enhance performance.

An interdisciplinary ZWP team covering MEP, building automation, lighting design, and project supervision works closely together. The new brand MorgenGrün – Innovations from ZWP contributes its expertise in building physics, thermal simulations, certification, and room and building acoustics. The result is a future-proof, energy-efficient office building that provides attractive workplaces for 2,200 employees.

As part of the renovation, ZWP Lighting Design developed a carefully crafted artificial lighting concept following strict energy guidelines, elegantly integrating technology and architecture. In the offices, downlights in the heating and cooling ceiling panels provide uniform ambient lighting, while floor lamps offer individually adjustable direct and indirect light. Communal areas are flexibly illuminated with track-based fixtures. Each functional area has its own lighting atmosphere, making the journey through the building dynamic and varied. Soft, indirect cove lighting brightens the common areas, while focused pendant lights illuminate the lounge. The company restaurant is staged flexibly with variable lighting scenes.

Multi-sensor detectors monitor presence, daylight, temperature, and air quality, increasing energy efficiency. ZWP building automation controls all systems—from the full air-conditioning units with osmosis water, to the large heat pumps, to the heat and cold distribution in the ceiling panels.

All safety-relevant systems are also centrally consolidated and visualized in the control center through a central hazard management system.

Bilder: © Lengfeld & Wilisch Architekten PartG mbB, Darmstadt