Frankfurt, Germany
In the heart of Frankfurt, Germany, EDEN Tower represents a new vision for urban residential living—one that seamlessly integrates nature, wellness, and sustainability into a high-rise environment.
Designed to address the evolving needs of modern city dwellers, particularly in the post-pandemic era, the project places occupant well-being at the forefront while introducing an innovative residential typology to one of Europe’s most dynamic cities.
Eden Tower by Jahn, received an 2025 International Architecture Honourable Mention from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.
The concept behind EDEN Tower emerged from a desire to create apartments that support both living and working from home.
Recognizing the growing importance of personal wellness, natural ventilation, and access to greenery, the design team developed a building where architecture is shaped by these priorities rather than by a purely formal aesthetic.
The result is a distinctive tower whose façade reflects the integration of living systems that enhance residents’ daily lives.
A key objective for the developer was to maximize the project’s value while delivering a unique product to the Frankfurt housing market.
This ambition aligned with a city initiative that grants additional floor area to projects incorporating substantial green façades.
By integrating living walls across 20 percent of the building envelope, EDEN Tower qualified for increased gross floor area while becoming the first project of its kind in Germany.
Implementing large-scale vertical greenery in Germany’s cooler climate posed significant technical challenges.
To ensure the health and longevity of the vegetation, the project team developed an integrated system combining irrigation, fertilization, and drainage.
Moisture sensors monitor plant conditions and activate irrigation only when necessary, while a centrally controlled fertilization system distributes nutrients efficiently throughout the façade.
Dedicated drainage channels manage water flow and maintain optimal growing conditions.
One of the most innovative aspects of the project is the method used to support the plants.
The vegetation is housed within lightweight, non-combustible fabric containers originally developed for aerospace applications.
These specially designed planting sacks are attached directly to a steel support structure, creating a durable and efficient framework capable of supporting extensive vertical gardens at significant heights.
The tower incorporates ten living green walls extending along all sides of the building.
These planted vertical elements serve as natural dividers between residential balconies while remaining visible from inside the apartments.
Residents enjoy views of the city framed by lush greenery, fostering a sense of tranquility and connection to nature despite being located up to 75 meters above ground.
The integration of more than 2,000 square meters of living walls creates a unique ecosystem within the building envelope and establishes EDEN Tower as a pioneering achievement in sustainable high-rise design.
The project’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the building itself. Located in downtown Frankfurt, EDEN Tower benefits from exceptional access to public transportation, including regional rail, streetcar, and bus networks.
To encourage environmentally responsible mobility, parking provisions have been intentionally minimized, while a new subway line is being developed directly in front of the site.
By combining innovative green technology, resident-focused design, and sustainable urban planning, EDEN Tower demonstrates how high-density housing can promote health, environmental responsibility, and quality of life.
As a landmark project in Germany, it sets a new benchmark for the future of urban living.
Project: Eden Tower
Architects: Jahn
Design Team: Helmut Jahn, Steve Cook, and John Ruffolo
Associate Architects: M.+ J-M Jaspers-J. Eyers & Partners
Client: Immobel Group
General Contractor: Immobel Group
Photographers: Roman Gerike
