The Birdnest: iconic green façade in HafenCity Hamburg

A building designed as a living ecosystem

Daycare Centre Baakenhafen, also known as “The Birdnest”, was designed as a living system where architecture, nature and use come together. With a façade covering 1,883 m² and more than 143,000 plants, the project ranks among the largest green façade applications in Europe. This scale creates impact visually, ecologically and urbanistically. Greening here is not an addition, but the very starting point of the design.

Architecture inspired by nature

The strength of this project lies in its form. Rather than rigid lines, the design follows an organic concept reminiscent of a tree structure. Around a central “trunk”, the spaces unfold like branches, flexible in layout and constantly evolving. The façade follows these forms seamlessly and reinforces the architectural concept.

Another unique aspect of this project is the way the green façade moves together with the architecture. Thanks to the Flexipanels, the modular building blocks of the SemperGreenwall system, the façade could be perfectly adapted to the building’s rounded and flowing shapes. This gives designers maximum freedom without compromising on performance or durability.

Green impact on an urban scale

Covering 1,883 m², the façade actively contributes to biodiversity, urban cooling and improved air quality. The varied planting palette creates a dynamic appearance throughout the seasons while simultaneously providing habitat for insects and birds. For the children inside, nature becomes part of their everyday surroundings. The building therefore evolves into more than just a daycare centre, it becomes a living learning environment where architecture, nature and use continuously interact.

Space to grow, indoors and outdoors

Inside the building, the same philosophy continues. Floors can open up into one large play landscape, while quieter areas within the core provide space for rest and concentration, much like cavities within a tree. On the top floor, a communal dining area overlooks the rooftop garden and the city beyond. The result is an environment where children not only grow up, but also stay connected to nature every single day.

Technology that grows together with nature

Behind the lush green appearance lies a carefully engineered system. The integrated Plant Care System automatically regulates irrigation and ensures the façade continues to perform optimally under all conditions. This keeps the greenery not only visually attractive, but also durable and future-proof.

Award-winning design with international impact

The quality of the design did not go unnoticed. In 2025, The Birdnest won Hamburg’s “Preis für Grüne Bauten”, an award presented by the City of Hamburg for outstanding building greening projects. It also achieved second place in the BuGG competition “Fassadenbegrünung des Jahres”. Recognition that this project stands out not only architecturally, but also internationally as a leading example of how urban densification and greening can successfully coexist.

Future-proof urban construction

Projects such as Daycare Centre Kita Baakenhafen demonstrate where urban development is heading. Buildings are becoming greener, more active and increasingly multifunctional. SemperGreenwall plays a key role by combining design freedom with climate adaptation performance. This project proves that even on a large scale and with complex forms, greening is not only possible, but truly transformative.