A single-stage, closed workshop process involving five participating firms is being used to develop a façade concept for the IPHH4 data centre of Portus Data Centers GmbH. The planning area is located in the north-east of Hamburg’s Hammerbrook district in the Hamburg-Mitte borough and covers a total area of around 4,200 m². The aim of the design is to create an appearance that highlights the technical function of the building while also meeting sustainability and urban integration requirements. The emphatically technical façade reflects the character of a data centre to the outside world and makes its function tangible in the urban space. The design concept follows a minimalist approach with a flexible basic system.The building structure, with its few, largely predetermined and staggered openings, is assigned a uniform structural ‘facade grid’ on all sides of the facade. Fold-out elements lend the facade spatial depth and enable a differentiated response to the respective orientation. On Wendenstraße, integrated photovoltaic elements characterise the appearance and make energy generation part of the architectural expression. On the side facing the canal, planted elements complement the façade. These contribute to improving the microclimate and create a connection between the building and the landscape. The choice of materials follows the principle of resource conservation: Red anodised expanded metal, aluminium panels and a bolted steel substructure can be dismantled and separated by type. This enables the materials to be reused in line with the principles of circular construction. The combination of photovoltaics and greening reinforces the ecological approach of the project, reduces energy consumption and promotes biodiversity in urban areas.
Size: facade 5.600m2
Competition: 2. Preis
Dates: 2025
Use: Commerce
Client: Portus Data Centers IPHH4 GmbH
Visualisation: DFZ Architekten
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