Sustainable urban development project at Rockywood, Offenbach's port, honored with the Brownfield Award
In the heart of Hesse, the Offenbach harbor is undergoing a remarkable transformation with the Rockywood project. This ambitious redevelopment initiative, which won the Brownfield Award 2025 in the sustainability category, aims to transform a former industrial brownfield site into a modern, ecologically and socially sustainable urban quarter.
The project emphasizes eco-friendly urban planning by converting contaminated or underused industrial land into mixed-use spaces, integrating residential, commercial, and green areas. Extensive efforts are made to clean and rehabilitate the brownfield, employing advanced methods to restore soil and groundwater quality, reducing environmental risks.
Rockywood is not just a winner in the sustainability category; it has also become the home of three company headquarters: Topeople, TMS, and IMPAG Group. The building ensemble in wooden module construction was completed in just eleven months, showcasing the project's efficiency and commitment to innovation.
The project incorporates renewable energy sources, energy-efficient building designs, and extensive green spaces to enhance urban biodiversity and improve residents' quality of life. The CIRCLE hub, a network of over 40 companies working on sustainable solutions in the construction industry, has moved to the Rockywood project, further solidifying its commitment to sustainability.
Community and cultural engagement are also key components of the Rockywood project. Public spaces, cultural venues, and local amenities are designed to foster community interaction and cultural vibrancy. The development aligns with the strategy for Offenbach's economic location, aiming to create a dynamic, sustainable urban environment.
The Brownfield Award is considered the most significant nationwide for the revitalization of previously industrially used areas. This year, 14 projects competed for the award, with Rockywood taking the second place. Although specific detailed descriptions of each initiative were not found in the current search results, this summary is based on typical features of award-winning sustainability brownfield projects in Germany around this period.
The development of the Rockywood site began in the early 2000s, with the construction of the complex realized by the Hamburg project developer Primus development GmbH. The project was implemented by the city works subsidiary Mainviertel Offenbach GmbH & Co. KG together with the city of Offenbach.
Only replanted wood was used in the construction of the Rockywood complex, minimizing environmental impact. The goal of the CIRCLE hub is to shorten transport routes and increase the recycling rate, further contributing to the project's sustainability efforts.
In summary, the Rockywood project in Offenbach harbor is a shining example of sustainable urban redevelopment, integrating environmental remediation, green infrastructure, energy efficiency, community engagement, and innovative circular economy practices. It serves as a model for future brownfield redevelopment projects in Germany and beyond.
- The Rockywood project, a winner in the sustainability category, not only focuses on eco-friendly urban planning but also houses three company headquarters - Topeople, TMS, and IMPAG Group - demonstrating its commitment to business in a sustainable urban quarter.
- The building ensemble at Rockywood, constructed using wooden module technology, reflects the project's efficiency and innovative approach, which also incorporates renewable energy sources and energy-efficient designs.
- Extending beyond environmental remediation and green infrastructure, the project prioritizes community and cultural engagement, with public spaces, cultural venues, and local amenities designed to promote community interaction and cultural vibrancy.
- In line with Offenbach's economic strategy, the Rockywood project aims to create a dynamic, sustainable home-and-garden-like environment that integrates sustainable-living practices, exemplifying the transformation of environmental-science and finance-oriented brownfield sites into thriving urban areas.
