Redensification
The housing estate, a typical early post-war estate, was built from 1955 to 1957. 75% of the flats are two room flats with less than 60 m² space, and without bathrooms in those days. From a technical point of view, the estate also shows normal deficiencies such as lack of heat insulation and barrier-free access. But that no longer makes sense, because times have changed. Although the flats are cheap, tenants move out as soon as possible. While high fluctuation rates are time and cost consuming, social structures are prevented from developing in the neighbourhood, too. Together with a public utility project developer and the relevant supporting authorities, we have developed a vision that is oriented towards state of the art architectural criteria, i.e. economy (tenant-friendly renovation of the house – without anyone having to move out), ecology (level of insulation, supported warm water supply in summer, controlled ventilation), social sustainability (continuity of community life, neighbourhood, identification) and the architecture itself (uniqueness, residents’ pride)
As a stack of rooms with balconies placed in courtyards, narrow buildings enhance available space, thus fulfilling the existing flats’ need for more private and open space, as well as additionally offering space for new residents in PLUS houses, apartments and loft apartments. Calculated social rejuvenation through the influx of families. Raising the courtyard to ground floor level not only improves the seismic quality of the existing buildings, but also ensures barrier-free access to all houses. Ground floor apartments become garden dwellings. At the top, there is an open-plan community roof terrace with barbecue area and common room for all residents. Project cancelled.
