The design concept for ROOTS developed by the Hamburg-based architectural practice Störmer Murphy and Partners combines high-end architecture with a connection to nature in an inspiring living space of wood, glass and light, offering future-proof views of the harbour and the Elbe including the Elbphilharmonie and Hamburg city centre.

Around 5,500 cubic metres of solid PEFC-certified pinewood were used in the construction of the high-rise apartment block: all upper floors have solid wood ceilings and internal walls, only the basement and ground floor and the central areas of the hybrid building have a reinforced concrete construction. A secondary glass facade provides protection from fire, UV and damp, while sliding glass partitions shelter the all-round balconies from wind and weather.

This construction approach and a high proportion of prefabricated components contribute to reducing the CO₂ footprint as well as creating a healthy indoor climate. The concept also considered limitation of noise emissions.

On a gross floor area of around 20,600 square metres, ROOTS consists of 181 apartments – 128 individual owner-occupied properties and 53 publicly subsidised dwellings – created with an investment volume of around 140 million euros by Garbe Immobilien-Projekte GmbH. The building also includes administrative areas and an exhibition centre for the Deutsche Wildtier Stiftung (German Wildlife Foundation) as well as a 600-square-metre green inner courtyard for communal use.

ROOTS promises residents a sustainable, relaxed lifestyle in an individual setting – from a small personal apartment to a prestigious, spacious dwelling. The authentic material of wood infuses the space with new perceptibly pleasant qualities, while the urban high-rise atmosphere adds a modern and expansive feel.

Large windows provide a clear outlook over the surrounding area: ROOTS offers impressive views of sky, clouds and water from all sides. An open, generously proportioned floor plan and high ceilings emphasise the transparent, light atmosphere of the rooms.

The interior design incorporating natural features extends consistently from the living areas through to the high-quality bathrooms where it creates a calming, relaxed atmosphere: a blend of soft natural colours, large glass surfaces and brilliant white conveys comfort, lightness and freshness. Perfectly coordinating: sanitary items from Villeroy & Boch’s timeless Collaro bathroom collection, combining a high-quality natural material with a timeless-modern design.

Collaro’s delicate linear design creates an impression of lightness with slim edges and thin walls, made possible by the innovative TitanCeram material. The ceramic is finished with titanium oxide to allow the creation of fine, slender shapes that are exceptionally strong. A total of 65 vanity washbasins in widths ranging from 60 to 120 centimetres have been installed along with 55 wall-mounted rimless toilets offering excellent flushing performance with water consumption of just 3 or 4.5 litres. All ceramics are exceptionally easy to clean thanks to the dirt-repellent CeramicPlus surface finish – using just a little fresh water and no harsh detergents for greater environmental friendliness.

ViClean-I 100 shower toilets have also been installed in nine apartments. These models combine the very highest standards of toilet hygiene with impressive efficiency and sustainability, making them an ideal fit for the ROOTS concept: hot water is provided by an energy-efficient flow heater that warms only the quantity of water actually required. ViClean-I 100 also sets new standards for toilet comfort with its clear design, selected shower functions and intuitive operation using a remote control or app.