New7 Mannheim – Multi‑storey timber construction for urban quality of life

With the New7 project, a pioneering example of urban densification and sustainable refurbishment is taking shape in the centre of Mannheim. Instead of demolishing the former department store in block N7, its structural substance is selectively preserved and transformed: the existing basement levels, the ground floor and parts of the first floor remain in place and serve as the foundation for a sustainable extension in a timber‑hybrid construction combining glued laminated timber (glulam) and cross‑laminated timber (CLT). The result is a versatile building ensemble with high-quality spaces — right in the heart of the city.

HASSLACHER group & HESS TIMBER – Expertise in multi‑storey timber construction

In addition to supplying 1,500 m³ of cross‑laminated timber (CLT) from the Stall site (NORITEC Holzindustrie GmbH) and 570 m³ of composite components in the form of block‑bonded glued laminated timber columns and beams from Kleinheubach and Hermagor, HESS TIMBER — a member of HASSLACHER group — provided advisory support already in the early planning stages.
The close collaboration with architects, structural engineers and the client enabled the optimised implementation of complex structural requirements and highlights the engineering competence of the HASSLACHER group in advanced timber construction.

Timber meets concrete – precision in hybrid construction

The new floors are based on a hybrid timber‑concrete composite slab consisting of CLT topped with 10 cm of concrete.
A high degree of prefabrication and a fully model‑based planning process (BIM) ensured millimetre‑accurate production and factory application of weather‑protection sheeting.
Assembly — including Peikko beams and modular prefabricated bathrooms — was carried out by L+S BAUCON GmbH as subcontractor to HESS TIMBER.
This high‑precision approach serves as an exemplary model for modern hybrid timber construction.

Sustainability as an integral element

The reuse of existing building parts significantly reduces grey energy, while the timber‑hybrid construction lowers the overall carbon footprint.
Green roofs, courtyards and façade greening improve the microclimate, and a rooftop photovoltaic installation enhances energy efficiency.
The project is aiming for DGNB certification — further proof of the environmentally responsible and future‑oriented construction approach using glued laminated timber and cross‑laminated timber.

A forward‑looking mix of uses

- Ground floor – gastronomy / retail: approx. 2,930 m²
- Offices / medical practices, 1st + 2nd floor: approx. 2,950 m²
- Residential: approx. 5,610 m²
- Micro-apartments: approx. 3,980 m²
Opening the façade, adding light courts and integrating recreational areas creates a green, high-quality interior environment — a vibrant place for living, working and social interaction at the heart of Mannheim.