Over a length of approximately 160 meters, we worked with our project partner Friedrich Wassermann to build residential and commercial spaces over the active railway tracks, using a combination of enclosed and open construction methods. Such a project is unprecedented in Europe. The urban planning concept for the project was developed during a community workshop led by md3+ Architekten, Matthias Dittmann, who also prepared the design and permitting documentation. The result was three buildings with 540 square meters of commercial space (restaurants, offices, and retail) as well as 67 condominiums on Clarenbachplatz.
In a project of this kind, the protection and safety of future users are the top priority. Therefore, as part of the zoning plan and permitting process, a proven, technically sophisticated, and innovative solution was developed that provides comprehensive protective measures for the users of the building complex and nearby residents.
Structural Engineering: A crumple zone absorbs initial potential impact loads. Additionally, solid concrete walls up to 1 meter thick were integrated as bollards at the ends of the new buildings to provide impact protection.
Fire protection: The track system and the buildings were structurally separated throughout. The track system was enclosed by fire-resistant partition walls and ceilings capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 1200°C. To prevent a potential fire on the track system from spreading to the building, roof decks with closed sides were installed at a depth of 5 m in front of the rising facades above the track property. The building’s fire-resistant structural framework also prevents fire transmission. The concept was simulated on various structural components and demonstrates a very high level of safety.
Vibration protection: To protect residents and occupants from vibrations, the ballast superstructure was replaced with a low-vibration slab track. To decouple vibrations, the tracks were laid in a new track bed with rubber buffers, among other measures.
Sound insulation: The side walls and ceiling surfaces in the overbuilt area were fitted with sound-absorbing insulation. An absorbent noise barrier 1.20 m high was also erected parallel to the track in the area of the western openings. A noise assessment report confirms that this not only ensures peace and quiet for the new residents but also improves the situation for nearby residents.
