Kranhäuser Rheinauhafen
Cologne

Reference 004

The 'Kranhäuser' – literally crane houses – are the spectacular landmark of Cologne's Rheinauhafen district. These truly unique objects are shaped like an upside-down 'L', reminiscent of historic port cranes with their booms pointing towards the river Rhine. The 60m high and 70m wide steel framework construction utilises insights from bridge construction technology: its booms are supported by a slender, fully glazed stair tower. 'Kranhaus Eins' and 'Kranhaus Süd' are exclusive office towers, while 'Kranhaus Nord' houses 133 luxury apartments on 18 floors. In the bathrooms, CeraLine shower channels ensure a relaxing shower after the excitement of the fascinating bird's eye view of the Rhine.
(Photography: Jörg Hempel, Aachen)