On 16th September 2025, one of the two projects that make up MVRDV’s Timber Hybrid buildings in Mannheim Franklin reached its highest point. This was celebrated in an event attended by Mayor Ralf Eisenhauer, MWSP managing director Achim Judt, Holger Heible and Hermann Brach representing developer RVI GmbH, and Christine Sohar, senior associate and project leader at MVRDV. 

Located in the heart of the Franklin Mitte district and adjacent to the Green Hill (Grüner Hügel), also designed by MVRDV, the development includes 56 apartments and a commercial unit. The timber hybrid building features an open, grid-like structure with spacious balconies and a vertically greened façade, which enhances the microclimate, supports biodiversity, and contributes to a vibrant, green urban centre.

© MVRDV

The project’s external wall is made from timber resulting in a reduction of approximately 116 tonnes of carbon dioxide – equivalent to around 900,000 car kilometres or the annual electricity consumption of 25 households. In addition, rooftop photovoltaic systems and connection to Mannheim’s future district heating network reduce the building’s energy consumption. 

© MVRDV

The building will soon be joined by its sister project, which sits adjacent to the Benjamin Franklin Village Chapel, and will start construction in 2026. In addition to these buildings, MVRDV’s Grüner Hügel and nearby housing development Traumhaus Funari are currently under construction, while The 'O' is nearing completion.

Learn more about the Franklin Timber Hybrid project here.