SUPERGELB Architekten

Initial departure point for this design was a site on which, next to the clients’ previous accommodation – a residential block from the 1960s, an independent and expressive new building should be conceived, which should respectfully restrain itself regarding its dominant and listed neighbor. Other integral aspects include a barrier-free plan and lodging for a nurse/caretaker. The result is a building form which pays respect not only to the existing buildings but also to the surrounding landscape with its ponds and trees. At the heart of its composition is a rectangular cube from which masses are subtracted, then elevated and displaced elsewhere. Special uses will therefore be allocated in these double height cubatures, further diverting daylight into the building. The extruded masses allow for terraces to be created within the rectangular roof plan. To provide protection from street noise and to conserve energy, service rooms have been allocated to the North-West façade. This approach corresponds to the closed composition of the North façade and to the open South façade. Through a homogenous metallic façade with window bands, a calm overall composition is achieved. The design of the interiors is the endpoint of the implementation of a wholesome design. A well-tuned energy concept with concrete core activation, an air-to-water heat pump and a controlled central ventilation system accumulates to a low-energy house standard with a lowest primary energy need of 56.09 kWh/m2a. This is 35% below the required energy conservation regulations.

Project Partners
HIG-Hempel Ingenieure, Köln (Statics)
bähr ingenieure, Köln (HVY)
Kress&Adams , Köln (Light)

Client
Private

Gross area
237 sqm

Gross volume
825 cbm