In addition to implementing a cost-effective, lightweight form of construction, installing a photovoltaic system and providing roof planting, the clients wished to set a signal for the future with the kitchen gardens for personal use. Local government and residents alike were drawn into the design process.
The new development extends the existing terraced housing strips situated to the south. To the north, the housing is screened from overlooking by a newly designed communal garden with tall existing trees.
The flats on the upper floors are oriented to the road. Behind half-closed screening loggias, large areas of glazing bring light into the central living and dining areas. In contrast, the ground floors of the maisonette dwellings are oriented to the garden face. In order to keep the layout open and transparent, a space has been created here by means of a wall cupboard along the long side. This is formally continued in the garden in the form of a sitting bench and an adjoining raised bed. The gardens are functionally laid out with terraces, vegetable plots, tool sheds and a fruit tree in each case.The cantilevered access balconies to the flats on the upper levels also serve to prevent overlooking of the maisonette gardens. The outer openings to the loggias are partly covered by areas of honeycomb walling hung in front of the facade plane. These brick structures are meant to encourage further planting. Set in the recesses to the rear are wooden benches.
Two different kinds of brick were selected for the facings: the front walls are in traditional rough red brickwork, whereas on the garden side, smooth white bricks were used in order to bring as much light into the living rooms and loggias as possible.Along the north facades, the windows are tall and narrow to protect against views into the rooms, whereby the adjacent angled brick panels increase the amount of daylight that can enter.
The project has a model character: it could be extended axially and increased in height to five storeys, and it would be suitable for use in this or a similar form for other infill housing.
