Moringa Hamburg HafenCity: The flagship building for people and the environment celebrates its topping-out ceremony

As the first residential building to consistently apply the Cradle to Cradle principle, the Moringa prioritizes not only high environmental standards but also social sustainability. “Moringa impressively demonstrates how ecological construction, social responsibility, and forward-thinking urban development can go hand in hand,” said Karen Pein, Hamburg’s Senator for Housing and Urban Development, adding: “This project is not only creating urgently needed housing but also setting an example for resource-efficient and healthy living—for Hamburg and beyond.” With coliving and coworking options, spacious communal areas, a daycare center, and dining facilities, new living spaces are opening up for diverse target groups, the senator continued. “Future residents will benefit from the diverse mix of uses, a vibrant sense of community, green retreats, and social infrastructure right on their doorstep.”

Jens Kreiterling, CEO of Landmarken AG, called for greater courage in the face of major challenges to overcome the highest ecological and social hurdles: “Let’s be bold! Ambitious urban developments like our Moringa are pioneers in reconciling social goals such as affordable housing and ecological sustainability.”

Adolf Lupp GmbH & Co. KG is active on the construction site as the general contractor; the site is located at Baakenhafen, directly on the waterfront. And the work is fully on schedule. “This building is not only symbolic of a milestone in the construction process—but also of a promise for the future that we are fulfilling together,” said Lupp Managing Director Michael Fuchs.

“Moringa is an outstanding example of innovative construction and future-oriented living. We are all the more pleased that its realization is progressing well,” said Dr. Andreas Kleinau. “With Moringa, which is being built to the highly demanding Platinum Standard of the HafenCity Environmental Label, vibrant, socially diverse, and responsible neighborhoods are growing around Baakenhafen. Various projects featuring resource-efficient concepts, alternative construction methods, and extensive green roofs and facades are currently taking shape here. Moringa has always been a bold, inspiring pioneer for this magnificent development,” said the Chairman of the Management Board of HafenCity Hamburg GmbH.

Approximately 80 percent of the construction and finishing materials (KGR 300, DIN 276) will be demountable, sortable by type, and reusable. This high level of recyclability is unprecedented. Furthermore, with approximately 24,000 m² of gross floor area, the ambitious project fulfills numerous socially relevant functions. All residential units are rental apartments, and more than one-third of the living space is publicly subsidized. This exceeds the legally mandated quota.

In addition, the complex designed by kadawittfeldarchitektur will offer communal spaces, coliving, and coworking. Both will be operated by POHA House, Landmarken’s sister company specializing in sustainable cospaces. The dining area on the embankment level also serves as a meaningful functional addition. The bilingual Villa Luna daycare center, which creates an important childcare offering in HafenCity with 80 spots across three nursery and two elementary groups, will even incorporate the topic of the circular economy into its educational program.

The green façade will be a striking feature in HafenCity. In total, including the roof and courtyard, areas covering 100 percent of the built-up floor area will be greened. This counteracts the effects of soil sealing, purifies the air, and provides cooling in the summer. This is an important contribution to health promotion—just like the sports facilities, the non-toxic materials, and the certified allergy-friendly environment. For sustainable energy supply, district heating derived from waste heat will be used, and electricity will be generated via photovoltaics. Continuous energy monitoring will optimize low-emission and energy-efficient operations.

“Seeing how this project is now growing and will set new standards is simply incredible,” said Landmarken Board Member Anke Tsitouras. “Even after completion, we will make sustainability tangible in the long term to inspire residents, neighbors, and other developers. A true flagship building for ecologically responsible urban development!

Summary:

Germany’s first residential high-rise built according to the Cradle to Cradle principle is right on schedule. A topping-out ceremony was held on Monday for “Moringa Hamburg HafenCity,” which is considered a trailblazer for the construction and real estate industries thanks to its unique combination of resource-efficient construction and affordable housing. Completion is scheduled for 2026.

As a flagship project for people and the environment, Moringa focuses not only on high ecological standards but also, in particular, on social sustainability. Approximately 80 percent of the construction and finishing materials will be demountable, sortable by type, and reusable. With a gross floor area of approximately 24,000 m², this Landmarken project offers around 220 rental apartments—more than a third of which are publicly subsidized—as well as communal spaces, a co-living concept, co-working spaces, a daycare center, and dining options.