When several residential parties want to live together under one roof, the scope for an individual building often seems limited: The classic multi-family block, which stacks residential units on top of each other in series, is often the only obvious conclusion. A project designed and realized by Döring Dahmen Joeressen Architekten DDJ from Düsseldorf for a multi-generational family community proves that things can be done a little differently. The result is a monolithic solitaire that combines four self-contained residential units into a sculptural composition in the reduced style of classical modernism.

A particular challenge for the design was the limitation to two full storeys, which was stipulated by the development plan. The existing topography of the building plot was utilized. This made it possible to gain additional space by adding a garden level. This is partly underground, but thanks to an atrium, it has been given sufficient bright and light-flooded living spaces. While two residential units are accommodated on this floor, the two floors above are each occupied by one party. The clearly structured, geometric design of staggered storey levels gives the individual residential units sufficient privacy and generous outdoor spaces. The three floors are connected by an entrance hall with a two-storey air space which, together with the open-plan staircase, creates a central meeting place for communicative exchange. Access to the garages, which have been integrated into the building composition, is also from here. Inside and out, no detail distracts from the clear sculptural physicality of the building: no visible alarm device, no superimposed light and no external rainwater pipe disturbs the architectural form - a consistent reduction determines the visual impression. Internal drainage parapets and window sills that dispense with overhangs also combine function and form in a rarely consistent way. The generosity of the rooms is enhanced by the fact that the outside space is seamlessly integrated via floor-to-ceiling window fronts - you will look in vain for lintels or wall projections in the building. The surrounding gardens, with their organically curved shapes and diverse planting, provide a counterpoint to the geometric order of the building. The mineral-white rendered façade throughout underlines the monolithic character of the architecture - only the garage fronts, which are clad with metallic-textured Alucobond cladding, provide a harmonious counterpoint and at the same time visually suspend the building.

www.ddj.de

Photos:

Markus Schwalenberg
www.schwalenberg-fotografie.com

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 03|23)