New laboratory building for the University in Bonn enters the next project phase

View of the construction site with the two conventional components before the module installation. (Photo: Cadolto Modulbau GmbH)

View of the construction site during the nighttime module installation. (Photo: Cadolto Modulbau GmbH)

Nighttime placement of the modules at the Poppelsdorf campus of the University of Bonn. (Photo: Cadolto Modulbau GmbH)

Multi-storey laboratory building is being constructed at the Poppelsdorf campus of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn. With the module placement of the last two construction phases, the project reaches the next important milestone.

The Construction and Property Management of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (BLB NRW) is planning renovation work on several buildings at the University of Bonn in the coming years. To provide affected institutes with an alternative space during the renovation phases, a multi-storey laboratory building – a so-called rotation building – is currently being realized for the university in Bonn. The new building, which is being constructed on Carl-Troll-Straße in Bonn, covers a gross floor area of approximately 15,500 m². In addition to spacious laboratory areas, which can be adapted to different usage cycles, the new building will include office spaces, communication zones, as well as lecture and seminar rooms.

"We are very pleased that, with such a modular construction method – in a short time – we can prepare the urgently needed spaces for the University of Bonn, thus enabling us to undertake the necessary renovations in the existing buildings," says Bernd Granzeier, technical project manager at the responsible branch of BLB NRW in Cologne.

The special feature of the new building lies in the combination of conventional and modular components: Due to the tight schedule and the size of the project, hybrid construction was the best planning and realization option. Two construction phases are being built using conventional construction methods, while two more phases and the technical center are being constructed in modular form. The two conventional components, which were already built in concrete construction by ZECH Bau NL Cologne / Bonn in 2022, form the outer parts of the building. The steel modules are now being placed between the conventional components on the foundation and assembled into a complete building.

Karsten Küßmann, Managing Director of Cadolto Modulbau GmbH: "The rotation building Bonn is an example of optimal synergy utilization of modular and conventional construction methods. Thanks to our affiliation with the Zech Group, we can offer the customer everything from a single source for this project as well. A new building is now being constructed in Bonn that meets all requirements for modern laboratory work and the reusability of the spaces."

The 141 steel modules are produced at Cadolto's factory. After leaving the factory halls, the modules are transported by ship and truck to Bonn, where they are lifted onto the foundation between the two conventional components using a crane and assembled into a complete structure. Since the modules are being prefabricated while work on the construction site, such as laying the foundation, constructing the basement, and building the two conventional components, is carried out simultaneously, valuable time can be saved in the construction process.

Fabian Fleischmann, Project Manager at Cadolto Modulbau GmbH: "Module placement is always an exciting part of any project. In this case, it is particularly interesting because the modules travel a long distance from Cadolzburg to Bonn and are transported using different means. Additionally, the efficient timing of the module placement allows us to observe significant project progress on-site in the shortest possible time."

After the modules are installed, further interior work begins. In addition to installing the facade, all technical systems are installed inside. Once construction is complete, the hybrid building of steel module construction and conventional construction will come together as a harmonious overall structure.