Noah’s ark quarter rises in Düsseldorf with XPS insulation from BEWI

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Thermal XPS insulation

Modern residential project attracting attention in architecture and construction

The Noah’s ark quarter in Düsseldorf, Germany, is considered the largest residential quarter in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia using hybrid timber construction methods. Once finalised, the project will provide 139 apartments across 10 600 m² of living space alongside a daycare centre.

The project’s name “Noah’s ark” reflects the idea of bringing many different people together, creating a diverse residential community. Green roofs, rainwater retention and photovoltaic systems contribute to the building’s environmental concept, while Jackodur® XPS insulation from BEWI supports reliable thermal insulation for the roof construction.

 

 

 

Hybrid construction designed for performance

The concept for the new quarter dates back to 2019, when the city of Düsseldorf launched an investor competition evaluating architecture, building materials, energy performance and environmental quality.

The selected design combines concrete for ground-connected components and stairwells with timber construction for the upper structure, while exterior walls and interior load-bearing walls are constructed in wood. The building is designed according to the KfW 40 energy efficiency standard.

“Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the planning process. From energy performance to recyclability of materials, we aimed to create a concept with a reduced environmental footprint,” explains architect Eckehard Wienstroer from Wienstroer Architekten Stadtplaner.

Hybrid timber construction also allows for faster construction progress, an advantage when building in a dense urban environment.

 

 

 

 

 

An inverted roof solution with durable insulation

The architects opted for an inverted roof construction with rainwater retention and photovoltaic systems. To meet the strict technical requirements, Jackodur® XPS insulation was selected for the approximately 1 300 m² roof area. The material provides high thermal performance with limited thickness and offers the compressive strength required for durable roof structures.

For the roofing contractor Weber Bedachungen GmbH, the inverted roof solution also helped improve efficiency during construction.

“As the insulation is installed directly above the waterproofing layer, we could work step by step across the roof surfaces,” explains Christian Weber. “This makes the work easier to organise and supports steady progress on site.”

Construction of the Noah’s Ark Quarter is expected to be completed first half of 2026, creating a new residential neighbourhood designed for modern living.
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