A sense of community
Sustainable employee housing that works
A temporary home for seasonal workers – that's what the architects at archis have created at Europapark. The comprehensive employee housing concept marries comfortable living spaces, both indoors and outdoors, with genuine sustainability. Wood takes center stage, and combined with lush green areas, it creates a warm, nature-connected environment where residents can truly feel at home. Beyond the wooden façade and natural materials throughout the interiors, a heat pump and absorption system provide all the required thermal energy with zero carbon emissions – a fully sustainable solution.
The low-maintenance façade, which ages gracefully to a natural grey, paired with the building's own energy generation, delivers a contemporary, innovative design that prioritizes quality of life for residents. Environmental benefits extend further: the underground parking and roof terraces are both green spaces, reinforcing the complex's sustainability commitments. Every building is fully accessible via elevators, and 14 apartments have been specifically designed for people with disabilities. A residential community truly built for everyone.
Three distinct buildings arranged in a perimeter configuration create a verdant hub with exceptional livability. Above the necessary underground parking sits a thoughtfully designed retreat space, seamlessly connected to the surrounding rural landscape—including the heritage orchard—through accessible staircases on all sides. Because seasonal employees work varying shifts, the buildings were conceived to support flexible, individual routines. This principle shaped both the master plan and the first phase of construction. The architects prioritized exceptional natural light balanced with carefully calibrated glazing ratios, while also addressing thermal comfort, solar control, privacy, and acoustic performance with equal rigor. The result: spaces designed for residents to personalize and make truly their own.
Photography Credits:
Nikolay Kazakov
www.kazakov.de
(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 04|20)