Kurt-Eisner-Straße, Leipzig

From the excavation pit to the roof – everything from a single source

Operating as a general contractor, the Schmölln branch of PORR GmbH & Co. KGaA, , has constructed a seven-storey residential and commercial building with around 6,800 m² of rentable area, including the excavation pit, as a turnkey block perimeter development in Leipzig’s popular Südvorstadt district. The project included construction of 70 rental apartments, two large commercial units and an underground car park with space for 60 cars on a gross floor area of around 12,000 m². The excavation pit was secured by a soldier pile wall as ‘Berlin-type’ lining. Additionally, the gable walls of the adjacent buildings also needed to be underpinned through high-pressure injection. In the basement, the shell was constructed as a reinforced concrete structure; from the ground floor upwards, it was constructed with limestone brickwork, with the exception of the staircases and lift shafts.

A friendly environment for living and working

The quarter was named after the neighbouring Media City Leipzig, which, in addition to the headquarters of the public broadcaster MDR, accommodates a further 90 businesses in the film and media industry. The area offers around 30,000 m² of studio, workshop and office space for film and television productions, audio recording and events. Proximity to the old town, university, cafés, bars and boutiques on Karl Liebknecht Straße, as well as to the new Bayerischer Bahnhof district, have made the Südvorstadt area of Leipzig a popular residential area for young people and creatives.

A harmonious combination of mid-19th century and modern urban development

The district’s numerous mid-19th century buildings provided the architectural framework for the Media City district. Ridge and eave heights and vertical façade structures, including plinths, a central zone, bays and dormers, fit neatly into the historical context. The façade comprises a light thermal insulation composite system with oblique elements that taper towards the window openings as a refreshing accent facing the street side. In the inner courtyards, the façades feature generous window areas. All apartments have a terrace, balcony or roof deck and offer views over the ancient trees, the benches and the playgrounds in the greenery below.