Housing project for Oberurseler Wohnungsgenossenschaft (OWG) completed

As general planner, Canzler realised the new residential building on behalf of Oberurseler Wohnungsgenossenschaft (OWG) in Kronberg-Oberhöchstadt. Thanks to the skilful utilisation and redensification of the site, 60 affordable flats were created instead of the previous 30. Despite some uncertainties, the planned construction period of two years was adhered to and the building project was completed on schedule.
 

"The new residential development of the OWG housing cooperative in Friedensstraße in Kronberg is a good example of how a plot of land can be optimally utilised in conurbations with a high demand for living space," explains Gerold Menzel, project manager and architect at CANZLER. "At the same time, the type of development offers the residents sufficient open space in keeping with the courtyard theme."

Based on the preliminary design conceived by CANZLER, the development plan for the 4,900 square metre plot at Friedensstraße 2-4 was amended. This served as the basis for the planned redensification from 30 flats to 60 flats. With a focus on affordable living space, the architects at CANZLER designed efficiently designed flats for single people, couples and families. A proportion of 20 per cent are social housing for low-income households; 20 per cent were built barrier-free in accordance with the HBO, the Hessian building regulations. The sizes vary from two-room flats with around 50 square metres to three-room flats with around 70 square metres and four-room flats with around 85 square metres. Four groups of houses, each with 15 residential units in the form of a so-called "Hofreite", form a self-contained unit. Communication and play areas located between the buildings as well as an internal residential path running between and connecting all the houses promote social interaction between the residents.
 

Execution in sections according to plan

It was a great advantage for the construction process that the design could be realised without any changes. "For us as a general planning company, it was particularly important from the outset to have all the specialist planners on board at an early stage in order to coordinate all important decisions with the client in the initial planning phases and integrate them into the further planning and construction process. This also had a positive effect in terms of costs, even though increased material costs since the start of the war in Ukraine have had an impact on the bids of all trades," says Menzel. Nevertheless, the construction of the new development on the now fully utilised plot was challenging: "During the construction period, an additional construction road had to be built at the rear due to an unexpected noise protection requirement, which impaired the construction process. We were able to counteract this by building in sections, so that we were always able to create space for various material storage areas on the narrow construction site."
 

Sustainable and close to nature

Sustainable issues such as the KFW 55 efficiency house standard with a combined heat and power unit and the use of rainwater in a cistern and infiltration trenches have been incorporated into the development. The possibility of operating e-charging stations with load management on all 82 parking spaces - 67 in the underground car park and fifteen on the above-ground car park - was also provided for by means of route installation, provided that the power supply is made possible by the electricity grid operator. Six charging stations have been in operation right from the start. In the outdoor facilities, the natural, species-rich garden design with flowering steppes, flower meadows, wildflower borders and nesting boxes for bats and birds serves to protect species. In addition, the development enhances the entire surroundings and blends into the landscape characterised by fields thanks to the façade design with natural colours and changing surface textures.
 

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