© ATELIER30 / GTL

© Atelier30

2nd Prize | Construction of a new multi-purpose residential building

Filderstadt-Bernhausen

In collaboration with ATELIER30 Architekten GmbH

 

Urban Planning and Internal Organisation

The new building stands as a confident urban element on the corner of Bernhäuser Hauptstraße and Volmarstraße, on the site of the former car park. It marks both the start and the spatial conclusion of the pedestrian zone on Bernhäuser Hauptstraße, thereby reinforcing the urban presence of this important local area.
The carefully designed, L-shaped structure responds sensitively to the existing context. It incorporates both the height profile and the building lines of the adjacent development, translating the small-scale, granular character of the surrounding area into a contemporary architectural structure.
The conceptual section complements the ensemble naturally and, with its transverse orientation towards Volmarstraße, provides an urban conclusion to it. The striking four-storey structure in the implementation section creates an inviting forecourt through a deliberate setback, thereby clearly marking the public uses on the ground floor.
Both the event space and the restaurant are accessed via a spacious foyer. Both areas are deliberately oriented towards Bernhäuser Hauptstraße, thereby helping to bring life to the public space. In addition, both the event space and the restaurant have their own entrance from the forecourt. This allows both areas to be operated independently of one another, whilst at the same time facilitating synergies between them. The event area is further complemented by a terrace opening onto the tranquil inner courtyard.
The foyer area also houses the central staircase, which provides access to the apartments on the upper floors. The staircase is accessible from both Bernhäuser Hauptstraße and the green inner courtyard. This provides future residents with direct and easy access to the communal open space. The courtyard serves as the communicative heart of the neighbourhood and offers space for relaxation, socialising and neighbourly interaction.
The ground floor also houses all the ancillary rooms for the catering kitchen as well as the central toilet facilities. A passageway from Volmarstraße connects the courtyard directly to the public street space, thereby enhancing the neighbourhood’s accessibility.
The longitudinal section of the building is designed to accommodate additional commercial space, which can be easily subdivided as required thanks to its flexible layout. The ground floor is complemented by an electric bicycle storage room, separate waste disposal rooms and the building services room.
The floors above are based on a clearly structured floor plan with a grid of approximately 3.00 m. This structure allows for a high degree of flexibility in the design of different apartment types. Two-, three- and four-room apartments can be created on each floor. Around 50% of the flats are designed to be fully accessible, whilst the remaining flats are designed to be barrier-free. All flats also feature a loggia, which serves as a sheltered private outdoor space and significantly enhances the quality of living.
The entrance to the underground car park is located in the desired area in the north-east of the site. The underground car park provides a total of 24 parking spaces as well as additional storage areas for residents. On the third floor, the stepped storeys respond sensitively to the height of the neighbouring buildings, thus creating a harmonious transition to the urban context. The conceptual section follows the same structural logic as the implementation section, thereby ensuring a clear overall architectural form.

Architectural language, façade design, construction

The new building forms an urban block that marks the end of the pedestrian zone whilst also serving as a link to Volmarstraße. The ground floor area is open and inviting; the architecture is characterised by the materials used in the façade, its transparency and its integration with the site. The design concept is based on the principles of sustainable construction.
The structure is planned as a hybrid construction. The basement, the stairwell cores and the fire-safety-relevant components are designed as solid concrete structures. The building is braced via the service cores.
The ground floor stands out from the main volume as the building’s plinth and is clad with a robust surface of prefabricated concrete elements. The façade elements of the upper floors are highly insulated and clad with rear-ventilated timber cladding. All glazed surfaces are fitted with external sun protection.

Environmental and energy concept, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness

In line with the building construction concept, in which the hybrid timber construction method uses materials where it makes sense/is cost-effective and combines the advantages of both solid construction and timber construction, the building services concept should also be geared towards achieving high overall efficiency with minimal use of technical systems (low-tech over high-tech).

Conceptual principles for sustainability and cost-effective building operation:

  • Hybrid construction with a high degree of prefabrication
  • Use of recyclable and natural building materials
  • Highly insulated building envelope
  • Robust and sustainable façade surfaces
  • Good and uniform natural daylight
  • Optimised summer heat protection via external blinds
  • Heating and cooling (passive cooling) using heat pump technology (no fossil fuels)
  • Use of photovoltaics and, where appropriate, solar thermal energy
  • Use of efficient system components with heat recovery
  • Greening of roof surfaces with a focus on biodiversity and support for the microclimate

The construction of the building with a high degree of prefabrication is expected to result in cost-effective construction. Based on the use of recyclable materials and building materials, energy efficiency and low-tech solutions, a virtually climate-neutral building can be realised, which makes an exemplary contribution to climate protection

Open Space

The forecourt serves as the building’s spatial address and marks the entrance to the public facilities. At the same time, it can be used by the restaurant for outdoor seating, thereby actively contributing to the revitalisation of Bernhäuser Hauptstraße. The space can be seen as a spatial extension of the pedestrian zone opposite and strengthens the interconnection between public open spaces.
The inner courtyard is designed as a green, communal open space. Various green islands create a pleasant atmosphere and offer a wide range of play and exercise opportunities for children and residents. The strategic planting of trees and native shrubs creates shaded areas that contribute to a high quality of life, particularly during the summer months. A communal barbecue deck complements the open space facilities and enables a variety of uses for future residents. The conceptual section follows the same design language in terms of open space planning, thus forming a coherent open space structure. Generously sized lawns provide additional space for play, exercise and informal encounters, and support the development of a lively, communal living environment.

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