The topping-out ceremony marked an important milestone for the new townhouse in Ahlen. Just ten months after the foundation stone was laid, the shell of the KfW 40-EE building, which uses heat pumps and photovoltaics for sustainable energy, is already complete.

The design blends harmoniously into the cityscape between the old town and the River Werse. The elongated shape follows the edge of the city wall, while a ‘twist’ creates two equal entrances. The entrance hall serves as a central communication space and connects the city and river sides. High points to the north and south set urban accents and relate to the old town. Public areas are located on the ground floor, while the upper floors group workspaces around light-flooded communication zones.

The new townhouse combines the aspects of sustainability, practicality and beautiful appropriateness, explained Köpp, the city planning officer, in his welcoming address.

Symbolically hitting the last nail: (from left) Thomas Köpp, Andreas Bothe, Dr Olaf Gericke, Dr Alexander Berger, Prof Eckhard Gerber.