Berlin-based architecture studio J. Mayer H. has wrapped a mixed-use high-rise with a zipper-like façade in Germany, which has been completed as a result of a competition held in 2011. J. Mayer H was the winner of the international design competition for this joint residential and health unit.

Named Zipper - RKM 740 Tower, the 22,000-square-metre tower, comprising various medical practices and residences, is located on the former park grounds of Dominikus-Krankenhaus in Düsseldorf-Heerdt.

The tower has been realized in response to increasing urban fabric in the neighborhood which required new kinds of hybrid high rises. The project, Zipper, is part of the latest generation of these mixed-use concepts. 

"The synergy effects thus achieved with comprehensive health grant the existing hospital transregional importance as the “prototype of a hospital for the future," said J. Mayer H.

The project is located in right side within a large campus, combining housing and health facilities, on the Rhine.

Conceived as a hybrid high-rise and a striking emblem of this transformation, the tower is visible from afar. "The unique panorama view over the Rhine and Dusseldorf makes the building striking," added the studio. 

The façade of the tower is wrapped by a perforated metal curtain façade that allows for a gentle arrangement of open and closed areas. 

On the east, south, and west sides of the building, the wavy shell opens generously while also offering shade and wind protection. 

On the north side, the façade is closed to provide sound insulation from the traffic. Like a zipper, the transitions between open and closed are gradual and allow for flexible adaptation during the process of development over the years. 

While the combination of group practices, specialists, and therapists occupy the lower six floors of the building, the building offers synergies with the existing hospital to create a medical health center with an importance that goes beyond the local region. 

The fourteen floors above feature a vital mix of various residential forms resulting in transparent, light-flooded living spaces with generous terraces, balconies, loggias, and rooftop gardens.

Image © Lars Gruber

Image © Lars Gruber

Image © Lars Gruber

Image © Lars Gruber

Image © Lars Gruber

Ground floor plan

Floor plan

Floor plan

Roof plan

Diagram of Types of Living

Diagram of functions

Elevation

Section

Façade 

J. Mayer H. was founded by Jürgen Mayer H. in Berlin in 1996. In January 2014, Andre Santer and Hans Schneider joined as partners.

J. Mayer H.'s key projects include Metropol Parasol, a mushroom-shaped megastructure made of spruce from Finland in the city’s historic centre built in Seville, a flower-shaped residence, called n.n., as a camouflage from its environment in Moscow, Court of Justice in Hasselt, Belgium are among significant projects of J. Mayer. H.

Project facts

Project name: Zipper - RKM 740 Tower

Competition 1^st Prize: 2011

Location: Dusseldorf-Heerdt, Germany 

Gross Floor Area: 22.000 sqm

Year: 2022

Architect: J. MAYER H. und Partner, Architekten

Partner in charge: Jürgen Mayer H. Andre Santer

Project leader: Dr. Paul Angelier

Team: Ana I. Alonso, Isabell Fogden, Matthias Gotter, Max Margorskyi, Anna Pidhorna, Marta Ramirez Iglesias, Christine Rosemann, Jens Seiffert, Lilly Czok, Paul Rindt

Collaborations:

Architect on site: Höhler + Partner, Aachen

Structural Engineers: AWD Ingenieure

Building Services: Ingenieurbüro Liebert, Berlin, LP 2-3, Winter Ingenieure, Hamburg, LP 3-8, Ingenieurbüro Buss, Ahaus, LP 5-8 (Penthouse, Community Center)

Building Physics and Interior Acustics: Santer Bauphysik

Façade Planning: Ebener GmbH with atf

Fire Prevention Engineers: Corall Ingenieure GmbH

Electrical Engineers: ibb-Burren&Deuring Ingenieurbüro GmbH

Lighting Planners: Lichttransfer, Büro für Lichtplanung

Acoustic Planners: Peutz Consult GmbH

Landscape Architects: RMP Stephan Lenzen Landschaftsarchitekten GmbH

Client: RKM Tower GmbH & Co. KG

Top image © David Franck.

All images © David Franck unless otherwise stated.

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