Tour of the Battonnhöfe
in Frankfurt am Main
The Battonnhöfe in Frankfurt have been undergoing comprehensive renovation and modernization in four construction phases since 2021. THOST is serving as the project manager for this initiative. The renovation work ranges from replacing roofs and windows and installing insulation to modernizing water lines, electrical systems, bathrooms, and heating systems.
Together with the association “Frauen in der Immobilienwirtschaft e.V.” (Women in Real Estate), Rhine-Main Region, THOST guided the participants through various construction phases. This allowed them to learn about the project firsthand and discuss the challenges of inner-city residential neighborhoods. Our colleagues Roland Gehron, Lisa-Carina Nern, Natalia Vidovic, and Bettina Maecker provided expert insights during the tour.
The Battonnhöfe consist of eleven residential buildings with a gross floor area of approximately 15,225 m². The varying ages of the buildings and the presence of historically protected facade elements place greater demands on the planning and construction processes.
The design of the complex draws on elements of postwar modernism and reinterprets them. A nuanced color scheme for the buildings and the landscaped courtyard help to further develop the Battonnhöfe into a livable neighborhood and create a space for people of all ages to come together.
A particular challenge is that the comprehensive renovation is taking place in a building that remains occupied. During construction, tenants will move to other apartments within the complex and then return to their renovated apartments. This approach is made possible by a specifically designed vacancy and temporary housing plan.
This means that, in addition to costs, deadlines, and quality, moves, handoffs, and move-back dates also become integral parts of Project Controlling. To this end, THOST combines Project Controlling in accordance with German engineering standards and client representation with ongoing client support, as well as move and tenant management.
The site visit showed that energy-efficiency retrofits in occupied buildings are both a technical and a social challenge. For these projects to succeed, the construction schedule, interim arrangements, and communication with tenants must be planned and managed collaboratively.