New Elementary School at Baakenhafen/HafenCity, Hamburg

Project description:

New construction of an elementary school in close proximity to the banks of the Elbe. Four upper floors, a rooftop playground, and an underground gymnasium. Mound concept: All streets and buildings in HafenCity are accessible at a flood-safe level. Soft soil and solid existing foundations.

Reason:

Construction of a completely new neighborhood in downtown Hamburg
New elementary school needed in a confined space to serve local residents

Services:

Site and Foundation Reports for multiple planning options
Grid-based survey at the site of the port’s former tar yard
Pumping tests to assess water inflow into the excavation pit
Work and Safety Plan for the disposal of contaminated soil
Flood Prevention Plan, Water Management Plan, Evidence Preservation Plan, Waste Disposal Plan
Support for excavation planning and bidding for specialized civil engineering and earthwork projects
Water Law Applications
On-site Construction Supervision and Technical Construction Management
Flood Prevention Officer responsible for storm surge protection, storm surge forecasts, and continuous on-call duty from September 15 through March 31
Verification of the proper compaction of the space along the sides of the excavation pit and the compaction of dismantled shoring members using dynamic penetration tests

Advantages:

Safe and reliable planning and construction supervision

Additional project data:

Geotechnical challenge: Excavation up to 11 m deep
Watertight trough excavation pit with a bored pile wall and an HDI base
Pile foundation using partial-displacement bored piles: effective as compression piles for structural loads and as tension piles to counteract buoyancy in the gymnasium

At a glance:

Client:

Schulbau Hamburg

Project value:

650.000 €

Project duration:

2014 – 2025

Images:

Moderne Grundschule am Baakenhafen in der HafenCity, Hamburg, mit klarer Architektur und grünen Außenanlagen.

Why work with us?

More than 75 years of experience

Since 1948, GINGER HPC has combined expertise and precision in environmental and engineering projects – ensuring reliable solutions that stand the test of time.

Strong international network

With offices across Europe, as part of the Ginger Group and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance, we bring global insights and local expertise to every project.

Award-winning sustainability

From international certifications to industry awards, our achievements reflect engineering precision, high standards, and a continuous drive for innovation.