Schneider + schumacher architects and developer ABG Frankfurt Holding decided to investigate the problem of housing shortages in large cities, combined with high rents. The solution can be standardization - of construction methods and workflow, as well as optimization of the choice of materials in terms of cost-benefit ratio.
The resulting exemplary project meets high standards of quality and energy efficiency, the architecture itself has not been forgotten either, but the tenants of such a house will have to pay no more than 10 euros / m2 of rent - excluding utilities. Of course, this is a compact version of a dwelling, but quite spacious and comfortable apartments are a kind of heirs to the "New Frankfurt" of Ernst May and Ferdinand Kramer, according to the authors. 10 euros per square meter is not only a third lower than the average rate in the city, but also 20% lower than the rent in the houses of ABG, which, in principle, specializes in inexpensive housing.
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zooming 1/5 Affordable housing complex for ABG © schneider + schumacher
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zooming 2/5 Affordable housing complex for ABG © schneider + schumacher
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zooming 3/5 Affordable housing complex for ABG © schneider + schumacher
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zooming 4/5 Affordable housing complex for ABG © schneider + schumacher
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zooming 5/5 ABG Affordable Housing Complex Photo © Norbert Miguletz
The main idea is to reduce the volume that needs to be erected and then heated. Therefore, the stairs (and in the case of barrier-free options - and elevators) are taken out and connected to the balconies. Such a move reduces, along with the heated space, utility bills. Corridors are kept to a minimum for the same reason, which also requires a compact plan. The basement level was also abandoned, storage rooms were placed in apartments.
The module consists of two apartments with a mirrored plan, facing a common staircase. If desired, they can be combined into one, obtaining a dwelling with four bedrooms instead of two (or a three-room and one-room). Due to the "mirroring", all bathrooms and kitchen areas are grouped in the center: this gives savings in the supply of communications. Such modules can be connected to each other both vertically and horizontally. The cross-wall system of "semi-prefabricated" parts, as well as the ability to manufacture standard windows, stairs, etc. at the factory. simplify construction and reduce costs.
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zooming 1/5 Affordable housing complex for ABG Photo © Kirsten Bucher
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zooming 2/5 Affordable housing complex for ABG Photo © Kirsten Bucher
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zooming 3/5 Affordable housing complex for ABG Photo © Kirsten Bucher
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zooming 4/5 Affordable housing complex for ABG Photo © Kirsten Bucher
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zooming 5/5 Affordable housing complex for ABG Photo © Kirsten Bucher
The project is designed for replication, but its coordination with the context is provided: you can change the silhouette of the roof or the depth of the building. Variability is mainly associated with the need to make the most efficient use of a particular site. As a material, the architects offer an environmentally friendly and durable option - hollow brick with insulating filling, which makes it possible to save on the insulation layer.
The complex, built in the Frankfurt district of Oberrad, consists of two buildings with a total of 46 apartments. The houses have a gable roof, 3-4 full floors, an underground garage for 20 cars. Apartments ranging from 46 to 89 m2 have two, three or four bedrooms, the total area of the complex is 5000 m2.
The project complies with the eco-standard KfW-Effizienzhaus 55: a highly efficient gas heating system, solar panels on the roof, ventilation with a heat recovery system will also allow residents to reduce utility costs.
