Five Gardens

On a spacious lot in Leonberg-Höfingen, an ensemble-style residential neighborhood is being developed, consisting of a total of four apartment buildings with 55 residential units. The buildings are arranged in such a way that clear spatial boundaries are defined while simultaneously creating an open, green central area. One of the buildings is divided into two sections by a slight offset, which breaks up the scale and achieves a more subtle integration into the surroundings.

The NUO

Two apartment buildings are being constructed on a spacious lot; they are designed as independent structures while simultaneously forming a cohesive, community-oriented residential complex. The architectural concept is based on a clear structure: Each building is divided into two volumes by a slight offset. This differentiation allows the project to scale appropriately to its surroundings and gives the complex a pleasant sense of intimacy despite its size. In total, the project comprises 46 residential units with a well-thought-out access and circulation system. The required parking spaces are primarily located in an underground garage, allowing the above-ground areas to remain largely car-free and be used as high-quality open spaces.

48.777° N, 9.197° E
Phase 3 | Heilbronn

Neckar Bend

The Project

A building that connects nature, the neighborhood, and the city—serving as a resilient building block of the “Summer Island” and part of a new, vibrant lakeside promenade.

Building F1 is being constructed on Sommerinsel in Heilbronn’s Neckarbogen district and is intended to serve as an active link between Karlsee and Floßhafen. Together with the neighboring F4 residential high-rise, it forms a harmonious yet clearly distinct ensemble within the urban fabric. The design follows the guiding principle “Natural. Connected. Together on Sommerinsel,” developing an architecture that integrates ecological, social, and urban planning aspects. The ground floor deliberately opens up to the city, creating an inviting base area that brings together a variety of public uses. Flexible event spaces, a makerspace, a secondhand store, and a 24/7 supermarket enliven the public space and strengthen the neighborhood. A laundry room and communal kitchen face the green inner courtyard and serve as a daily gathering place. On the upper floors, a calm yet lively rhythm defines the facade, complemented by regional wooden building blocks, green ceramics, and playful balconies. Inside, the building prioritizes resilience: modular bathrooms, removable partition walls, and a core made of recycled concrete enable flexible floor plans to accommodate a wide variety of life stages. A circular economy approach, KfW 40 QNG certification, photovoltaics, and a biodiversity roof with a greenhouse make F1 a sustainable building block for the neighborhood’s future.

Facade

Using regional materials, playful balconies, and strategic greenery, the façade creates a serene yet vibrant architectural design that sensitively engages with its surroundings.

Project Details
Project Details
Project Details

Regional “Triq-Briq” wooden building blocks and low-maintenance green ceramic tiles define the building’s exterior appearance. Balconies that vary from floor to floor break up the building’s mass and lend it a playful dynamism. Facing the street, F1 has a more urban appearance, while on the inner side of the block, a vertical green façade suspended by cables is integrated, interlinking the building with the natural courtyard. A cantilevered roof edge clearly frames the building and reinforces its presence in the urban landscape.

Floor Plan
Floor Plan
Floor Plan
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Base

The ground floor of Building F1 is designed to serve as an open, community-oriented catalyst that brings together a variety of uses and actively enlivens the public space.

A striking arched structure brings together the public and communal spaces, making their functions clearly discernible. Flexible event spaces, a makerspace, a thrift store, and a 24-hour supermarket provide easily accessible amenities for residents and neighbors. The laundry room and communal kitchen open onto the landscaped courtyard, serving as a daily gathering place. The ground floor thus serves as the building’s social anchor and strengthens the connection between the building and the neighborhood.

Resilience

Inside, the building is designed with resilience and the circular economy in mind, so that flexible floor plans, modular systems, and reusable materials enable long-term adaptability.

Discover more projects

Five Gardens

On a spacious lot in Leonberg-Höfingen, an ensemble-style residential neighborhood is being developed, consisting of a total of four apartment buildings with 55 residential units. The buildings are arranged in such a way that clear spatial boundaries are defined while simultaneously creating an open, green central area. One of the buildings is divided into two sections by a slight offset, which breaks up the scale and achieves a more subtle integration into the surroundings.

The NUO

Two apartment buildings are being constructed on a spacious lot; they are designed as independent structures while simultaneously forming a cohesive, community-oriented residential complex. The architectural concept is based on a clear structure: Each building is divided into two volumes by a slight offset. This differentiation allows the project to scale appropriately to its surroundings and gives the complex a pleasant sense of intimacy despite its size. In total, the project comprises 46 residential units with a well-thought-out access and circulation system. The required parking spaces are primarily located in an underground garage, allowing the above-ground areas to remain largely car-free and be used as high-quality open spaces.

SIX ON A HILL

“Six on a Hill” is being developed within the context of a village community that has grown over decades and possesses a distinct identity. The central question of the project is how to successfully carry out infill development in a sensitive environment without overwhelming the existing structure. The basis for this is Section 34 of the German Building Code (BauGB), which requires that the new building blend into the character of its immediate surroundings. The design views this requirement as an opportunity: here, architecture emerges from the precise observation of the existing fabric and the further development of its inherent qualities.
The scale, volumetry, and orientation of the structures are aligned with the village’s small-scale fabric. Instead of a single large volume, the project is divided into distinct units that reflect the village’s granular character. Different facade colors break the overall form into distinct sections, while shutters offer a contemporary interpretation of a regionally typical element. Green facades are an integral part of the concept and strengthen the building’s integration into the scenic surroundings. Sustainability is not defined here in technical terms, but rather through the durability of an urban planning solution that will be accepted and utilized over the long term.

DRAG