Ponting Wins Third Prize in the International Engineering–Architectural Design Competition for the Billebrücke Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge in Hamburg

Ponting Engineering, together with the engineering firm KHP from Leipzig and the architectural office KRP from Berlin, participated in the competition for the realization of the new “Billebrücke” pedestrian and bicycle bridge in Hamburg. In a strong field of qualified competitors, the team was awarded third prize (with no second prize awarded). Our proposal, titled “Reduced to the Max,” presents a key 58-meter connection within the Alster–Bille–Elbe green corridor, linking Park am Flussbassin with the emerging Neu Huckepackbahnhof district.

The design follows the principle of maximum simplicity – both in form and in structure. Our bridge proposal is therefore reduced to the essentials: a slender beam on two supports, minimal material use, and simple yet elegant lines. The bridge is also conceived in a minimalist structural and static configuration – in its most fundamental form as a simply supported beam with a span of 54 m. This approach allows for a clear and easily understandable flow of forces and ensures straightforward structural efficiency. The superstructure consists of a steel girder made of weathering Corten steel and a deck surface formed by 70 mm thick CPC concrete slabs (Carbon Prestressed Concrete). The welded steel girder is composed of two centrally positioned, longitudinally stiffened I-girders with a variable depth ranging from 1.00 m to 1.70 m, and two outer inward-facing C-girders with a depth of 0.50 m. The four longitudinal girders are connected by transverse beams at 4.0 m intervals, forming a continuous structural system. With a slenderness ratio of approximately 1/32, the superstructure appears particularly light. Potential vibration effects are mitigated by tuned mass dampers (TMD) placed at midspan. The central camber gives the bridge its characteristic form and, together with the transverse slope, enables effective drainage of rainwater. An additional design feature is formed by the integrated retention channels on both sides of the bridge. These are extensively vegetated, allowing them to retain rainwater and relieve the sewer system during heavy rainfall events. In this way, drainage becomes an integral part of the architectural and ecological concept.

With minimal means, the design achieves a structure of elegance and ecological quality.

Although our proposal was not the winning entry, we are very proud of the result and grateful for the excellent collaboration with König und Heunisch Planungsgesellschaft GmbH from Leipzig and KRP Architektur GmbH from Berlin. We would also like to congratulate the winning design team, knippershelbig GmbH and DKFS Architekten PartGmbB.