The Grabenstraße, Akazienstraße, Krautstraße project in Duisburg has kept the client, Gebag Baugesellschaft Duisburg, busy since 2016. Some houses have been modernized over the years, others demolished and rebuilt. At the end of this process, Danielzik Leuchter + Partner landscape architects came on board to redesign the 4,500 m² inner courtyard. Its centerpiece is the new community building, which functions as a meeting place with its various common areas, is equipped with bicycle parking spaces and opens up to the south with a view of the green courtyard area.

Existing structures such as paths and plants were incorporated into the design. The existing, well-developed trees in particular formed a good basic framework. A terrace bordered by hedges with seating on prefabricated concrete benches was created on the south-west side of the community building. This opens up to the adjoining play and recreation area with numerous play equipment for small and older children as well as a streetball field. A little to the side, residents of all ages can use robust fitness equipment. Existing paths were integrated to create a narrow circular path through the inner courtyard. The landscape architects achieved individual retreats for the tenants as well as areas for communal activities in the neighborhood through individually adapted measures: The areas close to the apartments on Akazienstrasse and Krautstrasse were each given an additional communal terrace, which are separated by hedges and form meeting points with barbecue areas for the various building communities. The western terrace on Akazienallee was also given a pergola to protect it from the sun. Each location is given its own identity by a fruit tree with a different fruit and flowering color. Hedges protect the terraces of the first floor apartments in the new building, and a small garden area leading from these to the community building was developed as a perennial garden with the option of creating a raised bed. A new entrance with a barrier system leads to the courtyard in Grabenstrasse, which also forms the access road for 17 car parking spaces located there. The bicycle parking spaces, protected from the weather, are also positioned in one of the buildings directly adjacent to the access road. The inner courtyard is illuminated with varying degrees of intensity depending on its use. The focus is on the community building, which is illuminated by pole and bollard lights. The rainwater from the paved areas seeps away via troughs and is thus returned to the natural water cycle. The inner courtyard can be visited on the Day of Architecture on June 18.

www.dl-landschaft.de

Photos:

Danielzik

(Published in CUBE Ruhr Area 02|23)