• Urban quarter “joseph” enters the completion phase project, with the first geothermal boreholes drilled on the site
• The groundbreaking project involves a self-sufficient energy supply using geothermal energy
• Kick-off event with partners and numerous guests from politics and business on the construction site

Bayreuth, Germany, 5 June, 2025 – 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.

Although CONCEPT BAU has its headquarters in Gräfelfing, near Munich, 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.

Despite economic uncertainties, Emmanuel Thomas, Managing Director, CONCEPT BAU GmbH and ZAPF GmbH, 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.

“2024 was a record year for us,” said Thomas. “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.”

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.

In cooperation with GETEC - one of Europe's leading energy service providers with a focus on customised, 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.

The system supplies 15 energy centres 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 “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 one-room studios 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 organisations, such as supported residential communities. Another plus point is the advantageous location near Bayreuth’s university and city centre.

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.

“We are already receiving a very positive response,” said Thomas. “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 neighbourhood concept is in tune with the Zeitgeist.”

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.”

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.

About GETEC
GETEC is Europe's leading specialist for reliable, decarbonised energy and infrastructure solutions. With more than 3,100 dedicated employees at around 50 locations, we leverage our engineering, regulatory, and sustainability expertise to help our industrial and real estate customers navigate the complexities of the modern energy landscape while significantly reducing their carbon footprint. Operating over 11,000 plants, the company has a broad decarbonised technology offering. GETEC develops, finances, and runs critical energy infrastructure and industrial parks across Europe through its regional platforms in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Benelux, Austria and Poland.