As urban density continues to rise, innovative multi-purpose high-rise buildings are increasingly emerging. The “Zipper” Tower stands out as a cutting-edge example of this trend. Located on the park site of the Dominikus Krankenhaus hospital in Düsseldorf Heerdt, this project uniquely combines medical facilities with residential units.
The integration of these two distinct functions creates a synergistic effect, positioning the new Dominican Hospital building as a pioneering model for interdisciplinary collaboration. It also serves as a prototype for future hospital designs.
Situated on the banks of the Rhine River, this new hospital building combines residential and medical functions within the landscape park of Dominikus Hospital. It adds a significant medical facility to Düsseldorf Heerdt and serves as a landmark symbolizing transformation, visible from afar.
Architect J. MAYER.H won the international design competition for this combined residential and medical complex and was ultimately commissioned to realize the project.
This distinctive hospital offers panoramic views of the Rhine River and Düsseldorf, setting it apart architecturally. Its perforated metal panel curtain walls soften the transition between open and enclosed spaces.
On the east, south, and west facades, wavy “sawtooth” elements and glass curtain walls connect the building to its surroundings while providing shading and wind protection. In contrast, the north facade is more enclosed to shield the interior from road noise, creating a quieter environment.
The gradual transition between open and closed areas resembles a “zipper,” enabling the building to flexibly adapt to diverse future needs.
The first six floors are dedicated to group medical care, expert consultations, and physical therapy. This design enables close collaboration with existing hospital facilities, creating a healthcare center of exceptional quality that extends its impact beyond the local community.
The upper fourteen floors house a variety of residential units, offering transparent, well-lit living spaces. Each apartment features spacious balconies, terraces, verandas, and rooftop gardens to enhance residents’ comfort and connection to nature.
Project Drawings
△ Project Location Map
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Fourth Floor Plan
△ Sixth Floor Plan
△ Thirteenth Floor Plan
△ Fifteenth Floor Plan
△ Eighteenth Floor Plan
△ Nineteenth Floor Plan
△ Roof Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architect: J. Mayer H. Architects
Area: 22,000 m²
Year: 2022
Photographers: David Franck, Lars Gruber
Responsible Partners: Jürgen Mayer H., Andre Santer
Project Leader: Dr. Paul Angelier
Design Team: Ana I. Alonso, Isabell Fogden, Matthias Gotter, Max Margorskyi, Anna Pidhorna, Marta Ramirez Iglesias, Christine Rosemann, Jens Seiffert
Resident Architect: Höhler+Partner, Aachen
Structural Engineering: AWD Ingenieure
Building Services: Engineering office Liebert, Winter engineers, Engineering office Bus
Architectural Physics: Santer Bauphysik
Fire Protection Engineering: Corall Ingenieure GmbH
Electrical Engineering: IBB Burren & Deuring Ingenieurbüro GmbH
Lighting Design: lichttransfer, Büro für Lichtplanung
Acoustic Consultant: Peutz Consult GmbH
Landscape Design: RMP Stephan Lenzen Landschaftsarchitekten GmbH
Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
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