ZDF-Hochhaus, Television headquarters in Mainz-Lerchenberg, Germany
The ZDF-Hochhaus is the main administrative building of the German television broadcaster ZDF, rising 70 meters (230 feet) with 14 floors. It combines office spaces, editorial areas, and technical facilities within a large steel-reinforced concrete structure.
The Mainz architect Heinz Laubach was commissioned in 1970 to build the ZDF broadcasting centre. Ground was broken on 13 September 1971, the foundation stone laid on 26 October, and the building handed over on 26 March 1974 after a 31-month construction period. The total cost was around 178 million Deutsche Mark.
The building's nickname, "Fernsehhaus," comes from its role as the main ZDF production and administration site. Its 125-meter length and 14 floors made it a visible marker of public broadcasting in Mainz after 1974. The adjacent casino building, finished the same year, served as a staff canteen and social space.
The building is located in Mainz-Lerchenberg and is clearly visible from the city. Visitors should note that this is an active working facility and access may be restricted to certain areas.
The building was constructed using approximately 25,000 cubic meters (880,000 cubic feet) of concrete and displays characteristic 1970s architecture. Its distinctive form and height made it a recognizable landmark that shaped the television and media history of the region.
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