The Stephanitor Süd residential complex is part of the Überseeinsel neighborhood under development in Bremen, where the old port is being reimagined as a vibrant neighborhood featuring residential, commercial and recreational spaces. The goal is not to position Überseeinsel as a satellite city, but rather as an integral part of the broader urban context. This is particularly evident in the continuation of the public promenades known as the “Schlachte” that give pedestrians and cyclists a direct link between the downtown area and Überseeinsel. One of the characteristic features of the neighborhood is a symbiosis of the past and present purpose of the buildings, which we have reflected in the architecture.

Our design takes the inherent characteristics of the urban environment and builds on them, with the three residential structures taking inspiration from the traditional warehouses from the site’s former incarnation and incorporating several elements of the typological architecture of Bremen. In addition to the gabled roofs, we incorporated other distinctive features to identify the complex as a residential property. The dialogue between industrial and regional vernacular has been enhanced by the open grid pattern on the façade, combined with bay windows, French balconies and loggias that we have modified to complement the modern floorplans. This creates a different façade for each building and provides all residents with their own private outdoor spaces. The loggias are enclosed to minimize exposure to the wind and equipped with fully retractable glazing for clement weather. 

Instead of the brick cladding of Bremen’s architectural history, we opted for ceramic tiles on all of the façades. The tiles are the same shape and size as traditional bricks but are non-traditional in terms of their material and grout-free installation. Each house is clad in its own individual green or blue shade that evokes the colors of the Weser River. In line with the principles of the development plan, we used hybrid timber-concrete construction throughout the complex, guaranteeing long-term, robust and therefore sustainable use of the buildings.