The tree-lined Kurfürstendamm (or Ku’damm, as the locals call it), is one of Berlin’s most famous avenues, and, with its rows of high-fashion shops, hotels and restaurants spanning over more than two miles, has a reputation as the “Champs-Elysees of Berlin.” Taking part in a construction on a recognizable boulevard with such distinctive architecture is a privilege that also brings its own exciting challenges, as CEMEX recently demonstrated on two very different projects.

CEMEX is supplying 40,000 cubic meters of ready-mix concrete for the Upper West development on this famed boulevard. The development consists of two 118-meter-high towers that upon expected completion in 2017 will boast 34 floors, making it one of Berlin’s tallest buildings. Thanks to Upper West’s location, size and sophisticated architectural design, the towers are expected to have a positive economic impact and to become a new landmark for the area, housing a hotel, offices, retail outlet and a rooftop bar with 360° panoramic views.

Pouring of the ready-mix concrete began in the summer of 2014 with the construction of the subbase layer. As the foundation for 34 future stories, the bottom plate section needed to be heavily reinforced, for which CEMEX provided a special high-strength ready-mix concrete. Keeping pace with the schedule of the project, 4,500 cubic meters of ready-mix concrete were poured within 36 hours in the 16-meter-deep pit using two 52-meter boom pumps. "We delivered non-stop from 8 o'clock in the morning to the evening of the following day. The construction company requested an hourly output of up to 130 cubic meters," says Torsten Schiller, CEMEX Key Account Manager for Germany’s Berlin region. Among the materials provided, the client also selected a CEMEX ready-mix concrete with a very soft consistency that would be easy to process: an essential when working in a short timeframe with such large volumes.

Not too far away from the towers, CEMEX is also currently contributing to the Palais Holler, the new office space for the nonprofit Holler Foundation at #170 Kurfürstendamm. The new building, featuring 5 above ground floors, two underground garages, and ground retail space, is suited for contemporary standards and built with modern materials. The street-facing front of the Palais Holler was designed with traditional features to embrace and fit in seamlessly with the architecture of the surrounding 19th-century Gründerzeit buildings.

During construction of the Palais Holler, a part of the Ku’damm’s sidewalk had to be closed and pedestrian traffic diverted to make space for the unloading site, where CEMEX’s truck-mounted ready-mix concrete pumps took position to supply the project. The logistics of sharing a space in this way highlight the need for an efficient operation, which necessitates a seamless cooperation with the client. Both the cement and the admixtures were supplied by CEMEX teams, which ultimately delivered 6,000 cubic meters of ready-mix concrete for the project’s structural work.

These are only two examples of our work in Berlin, where we also have vast experience with different types of homes and iconic urban landmarks.

CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries. CEMEX has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future.