housing Kurbadstraße

We want to think not only about tomorrow, but also about the day after tomorrow – about a new generation of “Gründerzeit” buildings: durable in their basic structure, but adaptable and flexible in terms of new circumstances. This is achieved with robust statics: a shelf made of reinforced concrete supports and ceilings creates a future-proof framework. The reinforced concrete elements, which are prefabricated as far as possible, bind the CO2 consumed for a long time. The framework is filled with modular window and facade elements, e.g. made of brick, wood, with PV panels or green elements, and can be easily replaced if necessary. This leaves the framework open for innovative technologies and future developments.

We want to think not only about tomorrow, but also about the day after tomorrow – about a new generation of founding-period houses: durable in their basic structure, yet adaptable and flexible to new circumstances. This will be achieved with robust statics: a rack of reinforced concrete columns and ceilings creates a future-proof framework. The STB elements, which are prefabricated wherever possible, bind the consumed CO2 for a long time. The framework is filled with modular windows and façade elements, e.g., made of brick, wood, with solar panels, or green elements, and can be easily replaced if necessary. This means that the framework remains open for innovative technologies and future developments.

Inside, materials that are as sustainable as possible are used. If the soil found during excavation is suitable, rammed earth components should be manufactured locally in a field factory or transported by rail wherever possible. The aim is to make optimum use of locally available resources. However, flexibility is not only found in the outer shell – in the ‘filling’ of the shelf – but also inside. Future-proof living works best with residential buildings that allow for change and have flexible floor plans.

The apartment-related open spaces, also a modular system, are only attached to the facade at specific points to allow for future changes without destroying the basic structure/shelf. The apartment-related open spaces can be designed and equipped as desired – e.g. as a green oasis, a beach hut or a source of energy using private PV panels. These enable residents to generate their own electricity from solar energy, use it directly and save on electricity costs.

The (site-wide) communal area on the ground floor, which serves as a kitchen and event space, provides a meeting place for the entire neighbourhood and beyond. It offers a wide range of cultural, advisory and event services provided by cooperating associations close to the apartments, saving time and money. For single parents, there are also easily accessible social services, as they can cook and eat together here. Their own initiatives can also find their starting point here. Together with the residents, a local exchange circle is being developed to access certain resources. The result is a local, solidarity-based structure that allows people to help shape their living space in a sustainable way, driven by their own needs.

With the support of “Zukunftshof”, an agricultural area is being set up on the roof of the supermarket and parts of the roofs of the residential buildings to provide self-sufficiency for the members of the exchange circle. Here, members/residents learn how to grow, harvest and process their own vegetables and fruit.

In addition to the ball cage, communal living is also promoted by the fitness trail in the open space. The trail combines ball and endurance sports, agility exercises and obstacle elements and is suitable for young and old alike. It also makes use of the attractiveness of the nearby Kästenbaumtunnel as an exercise area and leads to the facilities offered by the so-called Green Belt.