How do today's students envision communal living? What makes a modern residence hall truly meet students' needs—both academically and personally? GWG Wohnungsgesellschaft Reutlingen posed these questions to its residents. The answers shaped an unconventional, boldly colored interior design concept from brandherm + krumrey, bringing vibrancy and warmth to the new student housing in Reutlingen, designed by architectural firm be_planen.

Spread across seven floors, this campus-adjacent residence for 182 students features individual apartments alongside a welcoming foyer-style entrance and gathering space on the ground level. The design prioritizes communal living. Beyond the apartments themselves, each floor opens onto shared zones and clearly defined spaces. The interior designers crafted these common areas with warmth and intention—places equally suited to focused study or relaxed conversation. Every aspect of student life has its own thoughtfully designed space, where functionality and individuality work in harmony. Color, material, and light are composed with precision to create a cohesive environment that reinforces the building's design philosophy. The basement houses a loft-inspired communal kitchen, equally suited to dining and studying. Even the mailboxes reflect this attention to detail, their varied hues creating a pleasant contrast against the expansive light timber wall. The library's reading alcoves are wrapped in a restful blue, designed to support concentration and deep work. Even utilitarian spaces like the laundry room feature green-toned seating benches along the walls—transforming a practical necessity into a social moment. For those seeking privacy, each apartment offers a living and sleeping area, a compact kitchenette with understated finishes, and a bathroom—all designed with clear, timeless materials in warm wood tones. Pull-out beds and built-in furnishings maximize the 12–17 m² floor plans. Two apartments are fully accessible. Between units, co-working spaces feature colorful alcoves and cushioned seating—a vibrant reminder that life here is about connection, shared purpose, and the richness that comes from living together.

www.b-k-i.de

Photography:

Joachim Grothus
www.joachimgrothus.de

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 03|23)