MI23 2507

In the course of the so-called ‘Bauturbo’ (construction boom), it was examined whether, contrary to the provisions of the development plan, which currently envisages exclusively commercial use, a predominantly residential use with a proportionate commercial mixed use could be realised on the site.

The central challenge was to develop an urban development concept that would enable efficient use of space on the one hand and ensure sensitive treatment of the existing single-family homes to the north of the site on the other.

The design proposes four identical building units arranged in a row. The spaces between them can be used for green areas with play and recreation areas for local recreation. These open spaces not only improve the quality of life for residents, but also create a more relaxed appearance in contrast to the small-scale neighbouring buildings.

Due to the north-south orientation of the site, the concept was developed to rotate the buildings by 45 degrees so that the flats have an east-west orientation. This results in significantly improved natural lighting and a higher quality of living.

The floor plans are based on the guiding principle of a high degree of flexibility. The chosen partition wall construction allows for different apartment sizes to be realised within a clear structure. The ‘standard flat’ is designed as a 3½-room flat with an area of approx. 74 m². With minor structural alterations, this type can be reduced to a 2½- or 1½-room flat or expanded to a 4½- or 5½-room flat.

The building units each have a central access core from which the flats are accessed via a pergola. Thanks to its geometric shape, this can be used not only as a pure access area, but also as a semi-private intermediate zone in the entrance area. Specific recesses in the pergola improve the lighting of the adjacent flats and offer greater privacy. At the same time, the pergola serves as a buffer zone between the residential units and the adjacent gardens of the single-family homes.

In order to comply with the maximum permissible escape route lengths, an open staircase is planned at the opposite end of the pergola, which can also be used as an alternative access route.