Deutsche Wohnen’s new-build project in Leipzig wins sustainable housing award

As Henrik Thomsen, Chief Development Officer (CDO) at Deutsche Wohnen, explains, “We want our tenants to live well in housing that is safe and healthy – now and in the future. This is what we demand of our new-builds, which we plan and construct whilst observing strict sustainability criteria. We are delighted to have received this NaWoh award. It is both a confirmation of our efforts so far and an incentive for future construction projects.”

As well as using innovative construction materials, Deutsche Wohnen also attaches particular importance to smart-building solutions that enhance efficiency. Both buildings have been fitted with digital entry technology and digital measuring and control systems. The “My intelligent assistant” (MiA) system has been installed in every flat. This means that the system takes on the task of managing the heating and the blinds either via a tablet located in the entrance area of the flat or from any location via a smartphone app. The MiA system also ensures that data for heating and water consumption is read automatically and transmitted without the need for the tenant to be at home. The consumption data and anticipated billing amounts are also presented to the consumer by the MiA system.

When it comes to materials, so-called Poroton bricks were used instead of the typical thermal insulation composite system because they ensure that heat insulation properties are directly integrated into the clinker facade. In addition, wood-frame windows and parkette flooring were used because these materials are both durable and sustainable.

In the interests of the well-being of the residents, the waterside location of the buildings played a significant role in their design. The flats open out onto the outside with ceiling-to-floor windows. Moreover, all of them have their own terrace, balcony or – in the case of ground-floor flats – garden area. For the most part, the kitchen, dining and living areas are a single, integrated space and create a bright atmosphere. And all the flats are designed to have good accessibility and are suitable for wheelchair users because of, for example, elevators and wide doorways.

Henrik Thomsen explains Deutsche Wohnen’s thinking behind this project as follows: “We have succeeded in combining ecology, economy and socio-cultural aspects to achieve a form of housing in Lindenau harbour that is holistic and sustainable. At the same time, we have shown how high-quality building can be achieved in a way that also conserves resources.”

NaWoh seal of quality: The “Sustainable housing” seal of quality is awarded by NaWoh, the Association for the Promotion of Sustainability in Housebuilding. The seal is based on a system for describing and evaluating the quality and sustainability of new-build housing. The evaluation system was developed by the working group “Sustainable housing”, which is supported by the Federal Ministry for Transport and Digital Infrastructure (www.nawoh.de).

Deutsche Wohnen

Deutsche Wohnen is one of the leading publicly listed residential property companies in Europe. The business focus of the company is on managing its own portfolio of residential properties in dynamic metropolitan regions and conurbations in Germany. Deutsche Wohnen sees itself as having both a social responsibility and a duty to maintain and newly develop good-quality and affordable housing in vibrant residential neighbourhoods. As at 30 September 2020, the portfolio comprised a total of around 165,700 units, of which 162,700 are residential and 3,000 commercial. Deutsche Wohnen SE is listed in the Deutsche Börse’s DAX and is also included in the leading indices EPRA/NAREIT, STOXX Europe 600, GPR 250 and DAX 50 ESG.