Construction site at the Graf Zeppelin House: Everything prepared for the Sea Hare Festival!

Construction site at the Graf Zeppelin House: Everything prepared for the Sea Hare Festival!

Work is currently underway at full speed on the Graf Zeppelin House (GZH) in Friedrichshafen because time is of the essence. Almost a month before the popular oneSea Hare FestivalThe city and the developers are preparing for the construction site to be completed by the big event on August 11, 2025. South Courier reports that initial work has already begun on this. The statue of Graf Zeppelin was moved upstairs as a precaution, and the plants in the construction area were also cut back, transplanted and cleared.

The energy-saving renovation of the GZH, which was opened in 1985 and is a listed building, was initiated in 2024. The total costs amount to around 33 million euros, most of which are financed from funds from the Zeppelin Foundation. In addition, the city received a grant from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) in the amount of 2.52 million euros. This information was provided by Friedrichshafen.de provided.

Innovative measures for the future

As part of the renovation, a new heat pump system will be installed that is based on lake thermal energy - an environmentally friendly technology that uses heat from Lake Constance. This advanced solution is accompanied by roof renovation work, which includes both the renewal of the flat roof structure and extensive greening. Improved roof drainage and reliable lightning protection should also ensure that the GZH is future-proof. Up to 28 percent of electricity consumption is covered by solar energy from rooftop photovoltaic systems, which is expected to result in CO2 savings of 223 tons per year.

What is interesting is that energy-saving renovation is not without challenges. As highlighted in an article by the German Foundation for Monument Protection (DSD), monument protection and climate protection are often in an exciting area of ​​tension. After all, historic buildings are not necessarily energy efficient. Nevertheless, it is increasingly recognized that sustainable solutions are also possible for listed structures. DSD therefore calls for measures that focus on both the preservation of cultural heritage and the improvement of energy efficiency.

A construction site that connects

The city also intends to make the outdoor areas attractive again after the renovation. For this purpose, some of the planting will be redesigned to provide visitors with an inviting area on the bank. Before theSea Hare Festival, which wants to score points with a variety of events and open-air concerts “FN:POP am See”, the outdoor area is expected to be accessible again from the end of August 2025. Press spokeswoman Monika Blank assures that the preparatory measures will be completed in time to keep the restrictions for visitors as low as possible.

During the construction phase, the restaurants in the GZH will generally remain open, although some events in February 2026 will unfortunately have to be canceled due to construction work. However, in the spirit of planning, construction areas and schedules are coordinated with the event calendar. Even after the renovation, the GZH will remain a place where people can meet and feel comfortable. Friedrichshafen shows that tradition and modernity do not have to be mutually exclusive, but rather can go hand in hand - and in the end that is good business for everyone!