A new urban quarter has been realized along Paul-Gerhardt-Allee, comprising residential, retail, and office uses. As a local supply center with an adjoining neighborhood square, the residential and commercial building occupies a distinctive urban situation.
At the western entrance to the quarter, it forms a strong and legible gateway, stabilizes the surrounding built fabric, and integrates the diverse requirements of this hybrid urban building block in a clear and coherent manner.
The residential and commercial building presents itself as light and elegant with its consistently bright surface, while its structure is pronounced and differentiated. Three polygonal volumes rise from a plinth that occupies the entire site.
Viewed from Paul-Gerhardt-Allee, the tallest of these volumes defines a significant and inviting passage into the new quarter. The two remaining volumes are staggered in height and offset in plan. This configuration creates a tectonic interweaving that mediates between the contours of the existing buildings and the adjacent new developments.
The plinth level accommodates retail, dining, and service units, accessed either via a shared entrance hall or directly from the neighborhood square.
Above this level, clearly separated from the commercial and public uses, are the residential entrances to approximately 160 apartments located within the upper volumes. Most apartments are oriented east–west, while the larger units benefit from dual-aspect layouts. Generous loggias further enhance the residential offer.
The roof of the plinth is accessible via a semi-public external staircase. Intensively landscaped and designed with a variety of areas for recreation and play, this rooftop garden is shared by the residents. A continuous pergola defines and frames the space.
A comprehensive and flexible façade grid shapes the overall composition of the different building volumes. Integrated into this grid are folded metal wall elements, alternately solid or perforated, fixed or movable.
As a result, the three upper volumes appear differently from every viewpoint, with the impression shifting between transparency and solidity. At the same time, the movable façade elements allow residents to individually regulate views and privacy.
Realization:
Competition:
Specialist planners:
Realgrün Landschaftsarchitekten, Munich (Landscape design)
Photography:
Brigida González
Kim Fohmann
