Pioneering residential project for Bayreuth - Urban quarter "joseph" enters the completion phase

The project is groundbreaking in terms of urban planning and innovative energy concepts. "joseph's" self-sufficient energy supply uses geothermal energy, and it's currently one of the largest projects of its kind in Bavaria, Germany.

To mark this milestone, a festive kick-off event was held on June 4, 2025, with partners and numerous guests from politics and business on the construction site.

An innovative residential quarter is being built on around 6.6 hectares on the former industrial site of ZAPF GmbH in the Kreuzstein district in Bayreuth, Germany. The project is being developed by CONCEPT BAU GmbH, located in Gräfelfing, near Munich.

Close connection to Bayreuth

Although CONCEPT BAU has its headquarters in Gräfelfing, the connection to Bayreuth is no coincidence: the project developer and builder is a sister company of the local garage manufacturer ZAPF GmbH. Both CONCEPT BAU and ZAPF GmbH are subsidiaries of the listed pan-European BASSAC SA companies. This group structure offers stable support - especially in economically volatile times: while many companies in the construction industry are currently operating with restraint, CONCEPT BAU is reporting positive figures: "2024 was a record year for us," explains Emmanuel Thomas, Managing Director of CONCEPT BAU GmbH and ZAPF GmbH. Despite economic uncertainties, he continues to see high demand for residential space. This is why the company is moving forward boldly and can rely on the support of its French parent company.

"We are deliberately breaking new ground with the 'joseph' project. It's not just about living space - we are creating a living environment that sets ecological, social, and architectural standards," said Emmanuel Thomas at today's launch event. A forward-looking energy concept is a key component of this. The energy supply for the residential quarter using geothermal energy has already met the requirements of the Building Energy Act for climate neutrality from 2045, Emmanuel Thomas emphasized.

Geothermal project with exemplary character

In cooperation with GETEC -one of Europe's leading energy service providers with a focus on customized, sustainable energy supply solutions for real estate, industry, and municipalities - as well as the contractor BauGrund Süd, 174 geothermal probes will be installed up to 100 meters deep into the ground. These form the basis for a so-called "cold local heating network." The network, which is 770 meters long in total, is fed by geothermal energy.

In contrast to conventional local heating networks, which operate at high temperatures, this system uses a lower temperature level (approx. 0-25°C). The energy is raised decentrally to the required proper heating and hot water temperatures using heat pumps in the individual buildings. It is also supplemented by recooling systems and PVT modules - a combination of photovoltaics and solar thermal energy.

"This innovative concept not only provides heating but also passive cooling for the buildings in summer, thereby helping to regenerate the ground," explains Dennis Holland, Germany's Head of Sales at GETEC.

The system supplies 15 energy centers in the residential buildings and heats around 56,000 m² of living space efficiently and without emissions. This will make "joseph" completely self-sufficient in terms of energy.

The city of Bayreuth will provide the area required for the geothermal probe field.

The residential quarter that connects

The "joseph" project combines modern living with a high quality of life, making it equally attractive for a wide range of lifestyles: families, senior citizens, singles, and students. Around 500 modern apartments are being built in the quarter - from 1-room to spacious apartments with five rooms. Flexible floor plans, green inner courtyards, and designer furnishings complete the apartments in the "joseph" quarter. In addition to the living space, 5,000 m² of commercial space is also planned, which is suitable for a wide variety of uses: cafés, offices, retail outlets, and even social organizations, such as supported residential communities. Another plus point is the advantageous location near Bayreuth's university and city center.

With the uncovering and renaturation of the Tappertbach stream and its connection to the Glasenweiher pond, a green park landscape of around 20,000 m² will be created right next to the buildings, offering residents leisure spots right on their doorstep with benches and recreational children's play facilities.

High demand confirms concept

"We are already receiving a very positive response: just six months after the start of sales, the reservation rate for the first construction site is already over 40% - for us, this is clear proof that our residential and neighborhood concept is in tune with the Zeitgeist," says Emmanuel Thomas.

In his speech, Bayreuth's mayor, Thomas Ebersberger, praised the commitment of CONCEPT BAU and GETEC: "'joseph' is a flagship project for Bayreuth - a model of what sustainable urban development can look like."

Further projects in Bavaria

CONCEPT BAU is currently working on seven other projects, five of which are already under construction. In the Munich region, around 1,500 apartments are currently being built with the property developer. Examples include the LaVie residential quarter in Feldmoching and the AM SCHÄFERANGER new-build project in Oberschleißheim. These projects are also based on well-thought-out urban planning and a high quality of life.

Interested parties can find all information about the "joseph" project on the company's website at www.conceptbau.de/joseph. Details of other CONCEPT BAU construction projects can also be found there.

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