Cologne is becoming greener: wastewater as an innovative heat source in a new residential district

The future doesn’t just happen on its own—it is shaped. For the wvm Group, this means taking responsibility: for livable cities, for sustainable neighborhoods, and for the people who live there. This very commitment is at the heart of our presence at the polis Convention 2026. On May 6 and 7, leading players in urban development will gather in Düsseldorf to discuss the future of urban spaces under the theme “New Horizons”—and we’ll be right in the thick of it. The wvm Group is part of a strong network in the Cologne region. Together with Kreissparkasse Köln, KSK-Immobilien, KSK-Real Estate Management, Metrolog, and Mull und Partner, we will be represented at the joint booth A04.4 —under the umbrella of the Cologne/Bonn region. What unites us is a shared conviction: urban development does not end at property lines. It means taking responsibility—for the region, for its economic future, and for the quality of life of its people. For us, it’s about more than just buildings: We create living spaces that work in the long term—ecologically, socially, and economically. Housing plays a central role in this. Because housing is far more than just a roof over one’s head. It is the foundation for stability, community, and quality of life. That is why we develop projects with the clear goal of creating sustainable and livable neighborhoods that meet the demands of today and tomorrow. Through our work, we contribute to securing the region’s economic strength while simultaneously creating livable spaces. In doing so, we think beyond property lines—and always with the people who shape our neighborhoods in mind. For us, the polis Convention 2026 is not just a stage, but above all a place for dialogue. Exchange with partners, municipalities, and industry colleagues is crucial for gaining new perspectives and developing solutions together. Visit us at Booth A04.4 and join the conversation—for example, at our program events: We look forward to inspiring encounters, new ideas, and working together to shape the future of the city.

Berlin, April 16, 2026 – Yesterday afternoon, the topping-out ceremony was held for the Zwieseler Hof residential project in Berlin’s Karlshorst district. The project by the wvm Group Berlin comprises 321 apartments. The 147 condominiums in the first construction phase are expected to be ready for occupancy by the end of the year after a construction period of just 20 months. Completion of the 174 rental apartments is scheduled for mid-2027. Christian Gaebler, Senator for Urban Development, Construction, and Housing, views the project as an important contribution to expanding Berlin’s housing supply and highlighted in particular the 108 rent-controlled apartments being built on Zwieseler Straße. He noted that Zwieseler Hof represents a new mixed-use neighborhood and thanked everyone involved for their dedication. Martin Schaefer, Mayor of Berlin-Lichtenberg, added: “Lichtenberg has been a leader in new housing construction for several years. The district, its population, the associated infrastructure, and quality of life are growing continuously. This is by no means a given and once again underscores the excellent cooperation demonstrated by the district, its administration, and the project developers active in Lichtenberg.” “The Zwieseler Hof is being realized according to the Berlin model of cooperative building land development. This also required extensive coordination processes with the district,” reported David Fischer, Managing Director of the wvm Group Berlin. “As a result of this constructive collaboration, a former industrial area is being transformed into an attractive and sustainable neighborhood that, as a standard energy-efficient building (EH) 55 EE standard, featuring apartments ranging from 30 to 119 square meters, a green courtyard, 30 percent subsidized rental housing, two playgrounds, 800 bicycle parking spaces, and 120 car parking spaces in an underground garage. I would like to thank everyone involved for their contribution to this exceptionally beautiful and important project.” “The alternating four- and five-story buildings follow a uniform façade design but form distinct addresses with thoughtfully designed building entrances,” architect Tobias Nöfer describes the plan. Between the five-story buildings with photovoltaic-equipped hipped roofs, green roof gardens for rainwater retention are situated above the four-story buildings. “The courtyard, where most of the building entrances are located, will be planted with large trees.” Dr. Clemens Paschke, Managing Director of the wvm Group Berlin, thanked the Lichtenberg district for the excellent cooperation: “During the complex approval process, we received comprehensive support from the staff as well as from City Councilor for Construction Camilla Schuler. They thereby laid the foundation for successful construction here and now.” Paschke extended his thanks to everyone involved in the project, specifically architect Tobias Nöfer for the design of the neighborhood, the company GOLDBECK, which, as the general contractor, is overseeing the project’s implementation using a serial construction method, and the construction workers who continued working on the project even in winter under difficult weather conditions. In his speech, Robert Wall, Managing Director of GOLDBECK Nordost GmbH, praised his GOLDBECK team and their achievements, as well as the courage of those involved in building under the current market conditions. He highlighted the potential of modular construction. GOLDBECK is currently building around 2,500 apartments in Berlin. Jan-Hendrik Goldbeck, Co-CEO of the GOLDBECK Group, says: “What we are building here in Karlshorst clearly demonstrates the direction housing construction must take: fast, intelligent, and combining good design with cost-effectiveness. Together with wvm and Tobias Nöfer, we are demonstrating how efficiently systematized construction and high architectural standards go hand in hand. If we want more housing in Germany, then we need exactly these kinds of projects: pragmatic in process, ambitious in outcome, and clearly focused on speed and efficiency.”

The wvm Group has been developing residential neighborhoods in Cologne for over three decades and has also been active in Berlin for more than ten years. Over 1,000 apartments are currently under construction in both cities, backed by an equity ratio of over 30 percent. While Cologne stands for established continuity, Berlin is characterized by ongoing transformation.

Cologne, March 20, 2026. On March 19, 2026, the wvm Group hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Ostmerheimer Straße in Cologne-Merheim, officially marking the start of construction on 120 modern rental apartments. Around 50 guests from the worlds of politics, government, the housing industry, and the local community accepted the invitation to celebrate the start of this significant housing project together. Among those attending the ceremony was Claudia Greven-Thürmer, District Mayor of Kalk. A particularly memorable moment was her speech, in which she emphasized the project’s significance for the neighborhood with the following words: “As a resident of Merheim, I have witnessed firsthand the neighborhood’s transformation from a commercial area into an attractive, family-friendly residential district. I am very pleased that, with the laying of the cornerstone, the final stone for the Merheimer Gärten is now being set.” The new development will create four apartment buildings with a total of 120 rental units on a site spanning approximately 5,300 square meters. The plans include one- to four-bedroom apartments with living areas ranging from approximately 37 to 91 square meters. All apartments feature balconies, terraces, or rooftop terraces. The development is complemented by 63 underground parking spaces. The buildings will be constructed to current energy efficiency standards and supplied with district heating. Erika Werres, Managing Director of the wvm Group, opened the event with the following words: “With today’s groundbreaking ceremony, we are sending a clear signal regarding the creation of urgently needed housing in Cologne. As a Cologne-based company, it goes without saying that we take responsibility for sustainable neighborhood development. We are creating a home for many people, and that makes me proud.” The construction work is being carried out by GOLDBECK—a partner known for progressive and customized construction methods with high architectural standards. Axel Wirges, Branch Manager for Cologne-Bonn at GOLDBECK West GmbH, explained:
“With this project, we are working together with the wvm Group to create high-quality yet affordable housing for Cologne. Our systematic construction approach allows us to optimally combine quality, sustainability, and rapid implementation—an important contribution to the future of urban living.” Upon completion, all 120 apartments will be added to VIVAWEST’s portfolio. Sandra Wehrmann, Chair of the Management Board at VIVAWEST, emphasized the project’s significance for Cologne’s housing market: “VIVAWEST manages around 4,900 apartments in Cologne, where demand significantly outstrips supply. With this new neighborhood, we are working with our project partners to ease the strain on the tight rental market and expand our local portfolio with a great project. We have already worked successfully with the wvm Group in Cologne over the past few years—which is why I am confident that our future tenants will feel right at home in their new residences.” Completion of the new residential neighborhood is scheduled for late 2027 or early 2028.