The FRANKLIN “Grüne Mitte” project held its topping-out ceremony on October 23, 2025, marking a central milestone in the German city of Mannheim. This event represents the successful completion of the structural work for a future neighbourhood and local supply centre that is expected to be a thriving, green hub for the recently developed Franklin district, one of Germany’s major urban development areas. The achievement is particularly noteworthy for the timber industry, as the complex is a prime example of hybrid timber construction executed on a large scale. Responsible for the comprehensive timber scope—including planning, production, delivery, and assembly—HESS TIMBER, a company known for its sophisticated timber solutions, celebrated the successful construction progress alongside the project’s developers, Franklin Grüne Mitte mbH (a collaboration between GBG and 3iPro), and the general contractor, Implenia Deutschland GmbH.
The design, a collaboration between Dutch architectural firm MVRDV and Frankfurt-based schneider+schumacher, is a striking ensemble of two structures situated above a shared underground garage, separated by a crucial, traffic-free public axis.
The defining architectural concept is the “Grüne Mitte” (Green Center) itself: an intensively greened, publicly accessible rooftop landscape that serves as a central meeting point. This “green hill” concept, which is part of MVRDV’s broader master plan for the Franklin Mitte area, is not merely an aesthetic choice but is central to the project’s overarching sustainable concept.
The design’s focus on blending modern commercial and restaurant spaces with high-quality residential units creates a truly mixed-use environment, positioning it as an essential piece of urban infrastructure for the new neighbourhood.
The successful erection of the structure is a powerful endorsement of mass engineered timber’s capabilities in complex, multi-functional urban projects.
HESS TIMBER utilised components from the HASSLACHER Group, specifically employing both Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam). These mass timber products were central to the wall and roof structures of the buildings above the commercial section and the residential units.
The choice of a hybrid structure—intelligently combining timber with traditional materials like steel and concrete for the foundation and load-bearing cores—is a reflection of the pragmatic sustainability now driving modern European construction. The combination leverages the strengths of each material: concrete for its stiffness and foundation resilience, and timber for its low-carbon footprint and aesthetic qualities.
- CLT and Glulam: These engineered wood products offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, dimensional stability, and are key to sequestering carbon within the built environment for decades.
- Prefabrication and Efficiency: The high degree of prefabrication inherent in using CLT and Glulam panels significantly accelerates the construction timeline. Components are precision-manufactured off-site, leading to faster, quieter assembly on a constrained urban site and minimizing on-site disruption—a critical factor for building in established or emerging communities.
The implementation of such an innovative and complex structure presented specific technical challenges, particularly due to the unique geometry of the design and the requirements of the hybrid system.
HESS TIMBER deployed state-of-the-art 3D surveying technology to ensure the exceptionally high accuracy required for the installed steel parts, which are essential for coordinating the timber structure with the adjacent steel and concrete trades. This meticulous interface coordination, from the initial planning stages through to on-site assembly, was vital for the smooth construction of the freeform-style project.
The successful navigation of these structural complexities demonstrates the technical maturity of the contemporary timber industry, proving it can deliver intricate, custom-engineered solutions that meet the demanding requirements of modern urban development.
The FRANKLIN “Grüne Mitte” project stands as a significant case study in Germany’s ongoing shift toward more sustainable and ecologically responsible building practices. By prioritising mass timber, the development reduces the embodied carbon typically associated with conventional materials like concrete and steel.
Furthermore, the intensive greening of the roofscape, which includes a viewing platform and generously designed outdoor facilities, contributes to local biodiversity and enhances the microclimate of the neighborhood. The buildings are also being constructed to the high KfW55 standard, incorporating elements like a PV system to contribute to the overall sustainability credentials of the project.
As the building moves toward its final completion—projected for December 2026—the FRANKLIN “Grüne Mitte” in Mannheim will serve as a visible landmark and a tangible model for how timber construction can deliver aesthetically appealing, highly functional, and environmentally sound commercial and residential infrastructure, solidifying the role of companies like HESS TIMBER and visionary architectural teams in shaping the future of European cities.
Read more news on: engineered wood
Get such updates through woodandpanel.us
