House of FLOW

University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt (h_da), Faculty of Architecture, Darmstadt, Germany

Project idea

The project is located in Breckenheim, an eastern district of Wiesbaden, Germany. It is primarily inspired by a geographical feature of the area - the confluence of the Rhine and Main rivers. Therefore, the goal is to recreate the harmonious flow movement of nature (FLOW) and thus create more innovative possibilities for the building area. This is implemented in various aspects of the building concept, from the city axis to the building volume, facade, housing typology, and outdoor space design.

Project description

The background of this project is the relocation of local administrative institutions, providing an opportunity for the development of different target groups, lifestyles, innovative housing forms, and exemplary sustainable housing. Due to its geographical location and layout, the area is highly suitable for the construction of dense, mixed-use, and sustainable communities, characterized by vibrant neighborhood relations and high-quality open spaces. By balancing a combination of housing typologies and the proportion of affordable housing, social participation is achieved, and services are provided to residents throughout the entire urban area.
Based on the interpretation of the urban context, the building volumes are arranged in an east-west direction, with both sides adopting an open attitude to complement the lack of public space. They also create a dynamic corridor for the city, connecting the neighborhood parking garage in the west with the old central village square in the east. The residential buildings are characterized by a continuous facade. Prominent foreign elements such as balconies, bay windows, and gutters are deliberately avoided to provide a seamless perception for the users of space, supported by loggias and green attics.
The housing typology also takes into account the different qualities of life for the target groups and offers various options such as compact, surrounding, and zoned living. Each housing unit has ample lighting and outdoor space, with more than half of the 29 units being eligible for funding and nine units being suitable for the elderly.
In addition, the infrastructure for residents is improved, and public places feature a park, mobility hub, childcare, café, community room, and even a drone landing platform for express deliveries from the REWE quality market.

Technical information

Rising interest rates, resource scarcity, overloaded construction companies, and other crises permanently pose major challenges for the development of the housing market. However, the so-called "Additive Manufacturing" is a proven and efficient construction method and represents a trend for the construction site of the future. Environmentally friendly cement is used quickly and effortlessly through 3D printing, which saves construction costs, reduces construction time and emissions. In combination with sandwich slabs and cavities in the walls, 3D concrete printing also provides a functional framework for building services. This construction method allows a certain degree of independence as it can be manufactured on-site with fewer craftsmen required.

Created in: