Towering above us, the TaunusTurm pierces the sky. This skyscraper stands as a testament to Frankfurt’s financial prowess. It also represents innovative design.
TaunusTurm, or TaunusTower in German, borrows its name from the nearby Taunus mountain range. These mountains offer a popular escape north of Frankfurt. The building stands proudly in the heart of the financial district. It occupies the corner where Neue Mainzer Straße meets Taunustor.
Developed by Tishman Speyer, the same company behind OpernTurm and Messeturm, TaunusTurm shares some design aspects with the OpernTurm. It reflects Tishman Speyer’s commitment to quality and innovation. The architectural firm Gruber + Kleine-Kraneburg designed the building. They created a visual expression of upward aspiration through clear lines. Its purist form lends the tower a self-confident appearance.
Completed in 2013, the TaunusTurm reaches a height of 170 meters. It offers about 60,000 square meters of high-quality office space spread across 40 floors. The marvelously bright facade is patterned in two-floor sections. Each section forms one large window. This influences the way light plays on the building’s surface.
Step inside the 13-meter-high main lobby. It serves as a new city gate. The lobby creates a direct connection to the adjacent park. High-quality natural stone adorns the walls, floors, and reception counter.
TaunusTurm was conceived with ecological principles in mind. Its design focused on minimizing energy consumption and emissions. The building features a high-performance heating and cooling ceiling. This system saves around 30 percent of energy compared to conventional systems. Sun protection glazing, water-saving technology, rainwater use, and an efficient elevator concept further contribute to the building’s environmental balance.
The TaunusTurm has been awarded the highest Platinum level for resource-saving construction. This recognition comes from the American LEED standard. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
However, the building’s eco-friendly approach isn’t without its critics. Some argue that transporting marble from distant locations undermines its sustainability efforts.
The TaunusTurm is home to various tenants. These include J.P. Morgan, Stephens Europe Ltd, and McKinsey & Company, Inc. A gastronomic space on the ground floor provides an entrance to the Museum of Modern Art’s external exhibition space.
Standing next to the TaunusTurm is the 63-meter-high residential building TaunusTurm Residential. Both buildings were constructed simultaneously. Together, they form a cohesive architectural complex.
Consider the TaunusTurm not just as an office building but as a landmark of Frankfurt. Its commitment to sustainability sets a benchmark for future developments.