The TERMINAL ONE start-up centre for the green economy in Bremerhaven is an outstanding example that demonstrates and communicates the essential principles of the cradle-to-cradle strategy and the circular economy within a holistic and sustainable project approach. The aim is not to use as few resources as possible and minimise the footprint of the building. Instead, the idea is to generate the greatest possible positive footprint through the construction and operation of the building. The building should not only sustain the environment, but also benefit the environment!
The interaction between the environment, building technology and construction is ultimately the determining factor with regard to the cradle-to-cradle principles. The aim is to achieve an individual building quality that is compatible with nature and future-oriented. It should be dynamic and flexible and interact with its environment. By leveraging synergies between the selected materials and technologies, added value is created for users and the environment. The building is: + • smart, because it uses resources efficiently with innovative technologies + • flexible, because it allows maximum usability and adaptability with a minimum number of modular components + • a material bank, because it is designed so that all components can be disassembled according to type and upcycled + • biopositive, because it ensures more biodiversity at the site + • resource-positive, because it minimises energy consumption, generates and regenerates energy itself, and also uses water and nutrients intelligently via a network + • interactive, because it is connected to its environment and its structure encourages communication among the users.
This is a building that houses a myriad of possibilities. Its basic structure is modelled after traditional commercial buildings that, as a skeleton construction, allow maximum flexibility. With its reference to classic commercial and industrial construction and its exemplary character, the building is considered a prototype for future buildings in Lune Delta and a thought model that can be reapplied to other projects.
The exterior dimensions of the four-storey building are approximately 39 m x 39 m. As such, it establishes a fitting urban presence as a start to the area. Its positioning on the property creates a forecourt that continues seamlessly into the foyer of the building, which becomes the ‘Lune Delta Forum’ and functions as a hub. The area was not designed for expansion, but provides instead for the potential addition of another storey. This ensures that the designated spaces for biodiversity and rainwater management will be maintained even if the usable areas of the building are modified.