The former Ehrenfeld freight yard has been transforming over the past several years into a vibrant new residential neighbourhood—home to over 550 apartments, a childcare centre, and diverse local services. The Cologne-based architecture firm schultearchitekten designed and executed the buildings for one of the quarter's four blocks. Commissioned by BPD Immobilienentwicklung, the "Kwartier Werk" project embodies compact development that reimagines the principle of "Ehrenfeld's mix" for contemporary living.

The architectural design creates an open block—a neighbourhood-defining typology where eight houses cluster in three connected volumes around a central courtyard, accessed from the north and along the east-west axis. The result is compact and harmonious, with cleanly geometric forms. Yet the diversity inherent in this mixed-use housing typology speaks to Ehrenfeld's defining character. A thoughtful residential mix—from garden apartments and studios to urban townhouses and penthouses—welcomes a broad spectrum of residents. This variety forms the foundation for a genuinely mixed community that mirrors the district's spirit: young and old, diverse backgrounds, all sharing an intimate, human-scaled environment. Particularly striking is the south wing's typology: townhouses crowned with a roof zone, layered atop a three-storey base. The architects transformed acoustic and privacy requirements into design assets—each of the seven townhouses gains a double-height atrium glazed toward the south and the railway lines, turning constraint into character. Architecturally, the materials—brick, concrete, and render—integrate naturally with the neighbourhood's aesthetic. The windows, positioned vertically, horizontally, or in pattern; the interplay of individual and continuous balconies and loggias; and a refined colour palette together create visual richness and coherence. The central courtyard was designed with equally rigorous standards: it's a verdant social space, especially valuable for upper-floor residents. A "neighbourhood container" serves as both a shared kitchenette and toy storage, while also hosting resident gatherings. Below the courtyard sits an underground garage with 123 spaces.

www.schultearchitekten.de

Photos:
Manos Meisen
www.manosmeisen.de

(Featured in CUBE Cologne Bonn 03|24)