The Cradle
Bronze Prize in Architectural design
Thinking of all processes in cycles and developing solutions that create added value was the goal of the integrated The Cradle design team. Except for the basement levels, ground floor, and core, all essential building components are made of wood. The distinctive diamond-shaped facade was developed in response to the site and fulfills multiple functions: it serves as an external load-bearing structure, provides bracing and solar protection, forms loggias, and frames views of the surroundings. The different depths and orientations of the V-columns create an exciting open and closed interplay and, in combination with the glass baffle plates that act as reflecting prisms, a high degree of changeability depending on the viewpoint and solar altitude. Through the use of plug and screw connections and Cradle-to-Cradle-certified products, the construction, fit-out, and furnishings reflect the principles of a circular economy. A Circularity Passport® documents material properties such as disassembly potential, material health, and recyclability, forming the basis for understanding the building as a material depot. The project is registered on the Madaster platform, representing a valuable raw material depot. Photovoltaic systems, a retention/green roof with nesting boxes and an insect hotel, an e-mobility hub, public ground-floor uses, as well as green and clay walls in the interior, complement the sustainable concept and create added value for people, environment, and neighborhood.
Participant category: Company 100+ employees
Company name: HPP Architekten GmbH
Country: Germany
Client: adeptus Real Estate GmbH / The Cradle GmbH & Co. KG
Team: Integral Team: HPP Architekten GmbH, Knippers Helbig GmbH, EPEA GMBH – Part of Drees & Sommer, Bähr Engineering GmbH, TRANSSOLAR Energietechnik GmbH, nees Ingenieure GmbH, Drees+Sommer Advanced Building Technologies GmbH, Derix GmbH & Co.
Edition: 2026
Project status: Realised
Website: hpp.com