1. Please describe your field of business.
As founder and CEO of Hyperion, I am active in the property sector and market a unique modular timber construction system for residential, commercial and industrial buildings throughout the world. We developed our modular construction system together with architects, engineers, industry partners and our timber construction partner Thoma Holz. The principle works in a similar way to a Lego construction set: Thanks to different combinations, our high-level modular system enables the construction of a wide range of versatile building structures, from residential complexes and hotels to office and commercial buildings, as well as industrial buildings up to 115 metres high. Climate and resource-friendly construction and cost efficiency are our top priorities.
The construction sector is responsible for 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, around 50 per cent of which are generated during the production phase, with the remaining emissions generated during operations (heating and cooling, etc.), conversions and at the end of the life cycle. One of our key areas of focus is the life cycle of buildings and the materials used. Our aim is to significantly extend the short life cycles of 50 - 60 years that are common today. Buildings constructed with our hybrid timber construction system can last for several centuries. The ability to replace all key components, such as façade and external wall modules, makes it easy to adapt to changes in use and prevents the demolition of buildings. As such, it is possible to build in a way that actually permanently protects the climate and conserves resources, binding the large quantities of CO2 that are stored in our solid wood buildings for centuries.
We ensure energy efficiency and a healthy indoor climate by using wood and clay as our main building materials - materials that passively compensate for temperature and humidity fluctuations thanks to their energy storage capacity and thus contribute to energy savings in buildings and a healthy indoor climate with a natural heating and cooling function.
Our aim is to make a lasting change to the construction industry, applying a holistic approach to drive forward a truly sustainable solution for environmentally friendly and people-centred construction.
2. Hyperion operates internationally. What are the particular challenges of a globally active company?
Our construction system can be used worldwide. Local project developers, architects and construction companies are responsible for the specific preparations. One of the challenges we face in this regard is that of adapting our modular building components to different regulatory requirements worldwide. The diversity of building regulations, particularly between Europe and North America, as well as other regions such as the Middle East, requires the flexible development of modules and components such as heat pumps that meet the specific requirements and climatic conditions of each market.
However, the biggest challenge in the market is not just that of navigating the regulatory and market-specific differences, but rather coping with the global demand for housing and infrastructure in the face of population growth. Based on the fact that an area the size of Paris is already being developed each week worldwide, the focus is on sustainably meeting the enormous demand and promoting global partnerships and networked action, with a view to developing joint solutions for the cities of the future.
3. What have been the most important milestones in your professional career?
My professional career has been characterised by diversity and learning by doing. In my 20s I was involved in setting up a variety theatre company, where I gained a great deal of valuable experience in business administration, personnel management, finance and copyright. After moving to Berlin, I rescued a variety theatre from insolvency and renovated the theatre's Art Nouveau hall dating from 1905 in line with its listed status, while at the same time I began to develop new innovative show formats as a producer, which I marketed worldwide. This job gave me valuable international experience on account of working with many partners on all continents. My leap into the real estate sector was ultimately spurred on by a vacant theatre on Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, which needed to be repurposed. I subsequently got to know many players within the property sector, developed concepts for property conversions and supported partners in the marketing of land and properties.
As a result, new doors were opened up in both my personal and my professional life: I wanted to move to Montreal, so I was looking for my first property project to gain a foothold in the market. Discussions with a home owner and his neighbours suddenly led to the opportunity to acquire a building with two adjoining plots of land. All of a sudden I had the opportunity to purchase a 3,000 square metre building plot in Montreal - in a district with only a very rudimentary social infrastructure. The resulting question of how to make reasonable use of building land in cities, so as to create places that serve the community, marked the beginning of Hyperion. Our approach aims to create liveable cities that are characterised by sustainable construction, social spaces that have mixed uses and that fit into their surroundings, with numerous points of contact. For me, a good example of this are the Hackesche Höfe in the centre of Berlin. The sum of all my professional experience has shaped our business model, which enables responsible, modular and scalable construction with the involvement of existing (local) value chains and stakeholders, and facilitates mutual change.
4. What made you decide to become a member of the Office Club?
I have been a member of the Office Club, or its predecessor, since 2017. During that time we opened an office in Montréal, however, I am always in Berlin for project developments and make use of a flexible workplace in the free-floating area. I also get my business address for our German company from the Office Club. However, the decisive factor in my decision was the location. The Berlin location on Pappelallee and the family atmosphere there particularly appealed to me. The pleasantly designed premises, the friendly people and, above all, the 24/7 access were other crucial factors. As I often work in the evenings to adapt to the North American time zone, and have recently also had a lot to do at weekends, flexibility was a key factor in my decision. And I mustn’t forget: The coffee in the Office Club also tastes excellent.
5. What revelatory experience has had a defining impact on you in your professional career?
My professional career and personal development are deeply rooted in the sum of all the experiences I have had in my life, including those in my personal life. I have always thrown myself into new adventures, be it in setting up the variety theatre group without having ever had anything to do with theatres before, or working as a producer without having worked in this role before. I have acquired a diverse range of experiences and these are also reflected in my private life. I grew up on a smallholding, surrounded by a huge garden where we grew our own vegetables and a forest from which we collected wood for the fire. We practised a way of life in which there was no waste.
These childhood experiences shaped my view of sustainability and reusability long before these terms played a role in a professional context. The circular economy concept that I implement in my work today, for example, by focussing on the reusability of building modules, is deeply rooted within me. This basic attitude has made a decisive contribution to the way I think and act today - especially in my professional career, where I am always keen to find sustainable and long-lasting solutions.
6. Keyword - Culture of failure: Are there any career milestones or situations that you don't like to think back on?
My professional career was characterised by success until 2012, but then I suffered a serious setback: I lost my company for various reasons, saw no more prospects in the theatre and show business and suddenly found myself left with nothing - at a time when I had a family to support. Despite various new beginnings in different areas, from a learning platform for children to an investment fund for entertainment, the longed-for success failed to materialise. In retrospect, this period of 'failure' proved to be a valuable learning experience. It taught me that true growth takes place in the most difficult moments, that it is important to believe in yourself, to persevere and not to compare your own path in life with that of others.
7. In your opinion, which (of your) characteristics are crucial to successful self-employment?
I think empathy and the ability to communicate with different people are essential. It is important to understand not just the market, but also the views of the various stakeholders. I see myself as a conductor whose core competence is that of bringing together many different players, to create something big and complete. I am also a generalist who is familiar with all areas of the value chain, from forestry to industrial production, technological solutions, law and international markets, and also the financial sector. I try to filter the key elements from many different facets, rather than limiting myself as a specialist in just one area. This combination of maintaining an overview, networked thinking, and acting with empathy is the key to my success as a self-employed entrepreneur.
8. How do you relax after a long day at work?
First of all, how I start my working day is of great important to me: I start each day with a morning meditation and align myself internally before I switch on my mobile phone. I keep myself energetically agile with physical and mental exercises, such as the Five Tibetan Rites. From this place of clear focus, I concentrate on my long-term goal and then take the necessary steps to achieve it every day.
After work, I find relaxation in many things, such as cooking (almost) every day or running on the track in the evening. To clear my head, I go to the theatre or jazz bar or, if I have enough time, I bake my own bread and fougasse. In order to completely detach myself from work and find deep relaxation, I also make use of my days off for special activities and practise various shamanic rituals such as sweat lodges or medicine walks. This connection to Mother Earth and to all living things nourishes my inner being and defines my holistic approach to life. It is here that I find security and a reliable sense of orientation, uncovering creative solutions for professional and private challenges.