With roughly 117,000 residents, Bottrop ranks among the smaller major cities in Germany's Ruhr region. Since 2010, it has gained international recognition as InnovationCity—a model for climate and structural transformation. At the heart of Bottrop stands a contemporary residential building designed and executed by architect Dr. Thorsten Henkel. This five-unit residence occupies a prime location on the tranquil Steinmetzstraße, where the bustling city centre and its diverse shopping district are just a short walk away. The nearby Stadtgarten—with its manicured green spaces, recreational facilities, and the renowned Josef Albers Museum—offers immediate access to urban amenities and culture. Dr. Henkel's design prioritizes accessibility with barrier-free entry and elevator service throughout, alongside an eco-conscious underground garage featuring green spaces and electric charging stations in each residential unit. The building's energy systems equally reflect environmental responsibility.

Striking in its brilliant white facade and accented with floor-to-ceiling anthracite-toned windows, the structure employs solid sand-lime brick construction with three full stories along Steinmetzstraße and two toward the garden side. The topmost floor is crowned with a gable roof, its eaves facing the street. Below grade lie utility spaces—cellar rooms, shared laundry facilities, and a bicycle storage area—alongside a nine-space underground car park, with one designated accessible space. An elevator provides seamless access to all levels, each offering two mirrored residential units with generous, thoughtfully proportioned floor plans. Premium finishes throughout include triple-glazed plastic windows with motorized blinds, radiant floor heating, and baths from leading manufacturers featuring soaking tubs and walk-in showers. High-quality flooring and video-intercom systems round out the refined specifications. All balconies frame views of the surrounding landscape. The standout maisonette—approximately 210 m²—impresses with its expansive open-plan living and dining space, crowned by a spectacular 65 m² south-facing roof terrace complete with planting beds. Stainless steel railings reinforce the building's timeless modern aesthetic while introducing an elegant sense of lightness. Particularly noteworthy is the energy-efficient, low-maintenance heating system powered by a brine-water heat pump, which delivers both winter heating and summer cooling—a forward-thinking response to evolving climate conditions.

www.dr-henkel.de

Photography Credits:

Dr. Henkel Architects

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 02|21)