First look: Mecanoo to design 140-meter-tall Frankfurt Grand Central tower

Mecanoo recently won the competition to design the new Frankfurt Grand Central tower in the fast-evolving German city. Occupying the site of the former station post office, the 140-meter-tall tower will feature a glass and copper-toned metal facade that was inspired by Frankfurt's industrial atmosphere. 

Below, Mecanoo shared more details with us about their winning proposal.

Bounded by Hafenstrasse and Adam-Riese-Strasse on the north side of the railway, the mixed-use tower is a milestone in the transformation of this currently business-centric area into a neighborhood for living and working, Mecanoo says. 

Mecanoo subtly play with lines and perspectives to give the tower a dynamic shape, which appears to shift as you gaze upward. “As the tower rises, it widens, and the round corners gradually change into right angles,” they describe. Balconies of various sizes and positions add to this effect. “On the upper levels, glass screens add an extra layer to the façade and the balconies become continuous. The result is an iconic ensemble that gives the area a new identity.”

On the railway side of the project, a linear park will extend to Central Station. On the city side, a green square will add a new public space that will connect to the existing neighborhood and city center.

The 58,000m2 residential tower will comprise of a 55,000m2 residential program, with 16,500m2 of social housing, a 1,300m2 kindergarten, 1,700 m2 for commercial uses, and 2 underground garage levels. The design consists of two volumes on a plinth, with social housing up to the seventh floor and owner-occupied units and penthouses at higher levels. 

“The two buildings are connected by a transparent plinth, which is enlivened by residential entrances and facilities, thereby also animating the surrounding public space.”

Project details:

Location: Frankfurt am Main, DE 
Design: 2018, 1st prize competition
Client: Groß & Partner; PHOENIX Real Estate Development GmbH
Status: Ongoing 

Check out a video and project images in the gallery below.