GREEN HOUSING - Architectural &Urban Design Competition Lacombletstraße, Düsseldorf, (GER)

1st prize

(invited competition, 2008)

GFA: 13.000m2

The competition called for designing a plan for aproximately 13000m2 innovative residence typologies with focus on young families with children. The site is located in the north of Düsseldorf in very urban conditions, next to high frequented roads. Main aspects of the proposed solution are the 100% ecological design and the extensive integration of green into the project area. The careful positioning of the buildings and their orientation following the sun creates throughout the site the same high residential quality, together with the creation of open spaces with an own identity. These public, semi-public and private spaces are responding to needs reaching from protection to communication. Space for children to play, talk, relax and live are prerogatives to create a community.

A diversified and barrier-free residence typology for families with children will enhance a generation mixed resident structure. The aim is to develop a vivid, urban and appealing neigborhood with a high end and innovative offer for contemporary living especially for families with children. A reasonable divisibility of the project, compact building masses and appartments with equal qualities garuantee an overall cost effectiveness of the design.

The entire site is kept car-free and reaches highest ecological standards today. As a conseguence it is recommended  to certify the project based on the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) and/or BREEAM certification criterias. During construction ecological aspects are taken into consideration, e.g. construction materials, travelling distances, production processes, disposal of waste, etc. Furthermore the use of geothermal energy, controlled building ventilation, rain- and greywater management help in the reduction of the overall CO2 footprint.