KAIA

At Untermainkai

KAIA

In the middle of the city
and still by the river

As awareness of our planet’s finite resources (Gaia) grows, it has never been more critical to act. With KAIA, we bring this awareness to life, shaping it for the workplaces of tomorrow. Located directly on the Main River, KAIA embodies resource-conscious building and working practices. Designed to align with contemporary values and future needs, KAIA offers a unique space for companies committed to preserving traditions while embracing innovation.

KAIA will transform the Untermainkai area with its striking blend of old and new, revitalization and new construction, elegance and modernity. This seamless fusion creates a landmark silhouette that redefines the riverfront skyline.

Traditionally, new buildings generate up to 50% of their CO₂ emissions through embedded energy—primarily from constructing load-bearing structures, shells, and facades, which heavily rely on concrete. KAIA challenges this norm. By preserving the tower’s structural framework, adopting cutting-edge building technologies, and incorporating a wood-hybrid construction for the new additions, along with a lush greening concept and rooftop garden, KAIA achieves up to a 70% reduction in emissions.

A Practical Comparison

By retaining the existing structural framework, incorporating cutting-edge building technology, and using timber-hybrid construction for the planned annex, KAIA is expected to achieve up to a 70% reduction in emissions. For perspective: the emissions saved compared to a traditional new construction would take 21 hectares of forest 100 years to absorb. That’s equivalent to a continuous greenbelt stretching along the Main River from Westhafen to the European Central Bank (ECB).

Tower

Climate Strategy

The revitalization process preserves the building’s structural framework, allowing 90% of the demolition and construction waste to be recycled.
State-of-the-art sustainable building technologies ensure outstanding energy efficiency, while the fully integrated photovoltaic system generates substantial renewable energy.
The building’s systems are seamlessly designed, featuring energy-efficient LED lighting with motion detectors, adiabatic cooling, and geothermal heating. Plans also include a modern underground garage, tailored to support e-mobility solutions.

Annex Building

Climate Strategy

The cutting-edge wooden construction and hybrid timber design make it possible to sustainably capture and reduce CO₂ emissions. Interconnecting staircases between floors foster dynamic, communicative spaces.
Energy efficiency is maximized with a large photovoltaic system on the top floor, facades designed for natural self-shading, and external sun protection. A chimney effect in the atrium is utilized to provide natural nighttime cooling.
The outdoor environment is thoughtfully designed, incorporating rainwater management, lush greenery, and the Main River as a natural fresh-air corridor. Adiabatic cooling effects further enhance the on-site sense of well-being. The green rooftop garden contributes to rainwater retention and promotes biodiversity, while rooftop vegetation and nesting boxes for birds and insects provide essential habitats, rounding out this forward-thinking design.