The Capricorn House Medienhafen Düsseldorf represents the new entrance at the southern point of Düsseldorf Media harbour. The special feature of this eye-catching new building with its red glass panels is the so-called “i-modulFassade”, which was designed by GATERMANN + SCHOSSIG. The building’s location, greatly subject to sound pollution, lead to the development of a multi-functional facade module that contains the necessary technology for controlling the building’s temperature and air quality.
Courtesy of Gatermann + Schossig
It is fitted with an air-conditioning system for cooling, heating, ventilation and heat recovery. The facade panel also has integrated lighting, sound absorption and room acoustics elements. The decentralised concept eliminates the need for traditional technology, which leaves greater scope for interior architectural design. As a result, a more flexible floor plan allows the implementation of all office shapes.
Courtesy of Gatermann + Schossig
Project Info :
Architects: Gatermann + Schossig
Project Location: Dusseldorf, Germany
Project Area: 43000.0 sqm
Project Year: 2008
Photographs: Rainer Rehfeld, HG Esch, Markus Boekero
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.