HVB-Tower Modernisation: Project Overview

Year of construction1975-81
Original architectsWalter und Bea Betz Architekten, Munich
Building ownerHVZ GmbH&Co. Objekt KG
Building typeAdministrative building with conference zone, trading floor, data centre and company restaurant
listed since 2006
Building height114 m (374 ft.)
first building in Munich to exceed 100m in height (328 ft.)
Number of storeys27 above ground, 25 storey of usable floor space
4 underground
Floor areaapprox. 100.000 m² (1.1 million sq ft) net floor area
approx. 140.000 m² (1.5 million sq ft) gross floor area
Workstationsmore than 3,000
Special features6 hanging floors in the Tower
(5th - 10th floors) suspended from a central support frame
Project scopeRenovate façade taking listed status into account
Renovate the building services
Implement a contemporary office space concept
Modernise the fire protection concept
CertificationLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum
Modernisation timeline

2013-2016 Tower with south low-rise building and entrance area

2016-2019 North low-rise building
Total investmentapprox. € 250 millionen

                  

 

Project Goals

Replacement of the entire façade
The existing 2-paned insulating-glass façade was replaced with a state-of-the-art box window façade with a total of four glass layers, all while maintaining the external, listed/protected appearance of the building.
The fixed-glazed exterior panes (1 glass layer) with defined air vents enable an exchange of air with the outside by opening the inner 3-pane window casement. This increases the comfort factor for the building’s users. Highly advanced glass-coating techniques allow for an optimal use of daylight while also minimising the solar heat input. This reduces the enormous amounts of energy needed for cooling in summer, as well as the heating energy required in winter.
The computer-controlled sun protection system in the box windows is responsive both to the changing influence of the sun and the individual needs of users. It is integrated into the building technology installation controls. The waste heat generated by solar radiation is dissipated to the outside via vents in the box windows, which reduces the burden on the building’s cooling system.

New office space concept
Since the inception of the building, its floor plan was designed for highly flexible office spaces.
This flexibility allows for its reinterpretation using a modern office space concept (‘Smart Working’). The comfort factor inside the building is significantly increased while also optimising the use of space.
A balanced, intelligent arrangement of various communication areas in the workplace is designed to promote interaction and teamwork. Modern IT solutions support free movement and flexibility within the building. Occupants have a greater influence on the workplace environment by having a say in the climate-control parameters.

New seat for the Executive Board
The HVB Tower serves as seat of the entire HypoVereinsbank Executive Board.

Certification as a ‘Green Building’
The HVB Tower was certified LEED Platinum in accordance with the international Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standard.

Renovation of the building services systems.
The outdated and energy-intensive building technology installations were replaced. New heating and cooling systems increase operational efficiency and improve comfort for the building’s occupants. These modern systems are closely coordinated with the new façade as a ‘climate skin’.

Upgrading of the building’s fire protection to meet current standards
The new fire protection concept is designed to optimise evacuation and fire-fighting procedures.
Among other things, a staircase pressure-ventilation system and a highly efficient smoke removal system were installed in the Tower.

Rainwater harvesting
By installing a rainwater tank, water consumption can be reduced. This tank is used in watering the grounds.

Geothermal
The installation of a well-cooling system makes it possible to use groundwater as a source of energy and reduces the energy consumption for cooling in summer and heating in winter based on the heat-exchange principle.