Intergenerational living has emerged as an increasingly compelling model over the past decade. Non-profit and cooperative housing developers have largely championed this vision, creating socially inclusive communities. GWG Königsbrunn exemplifies this commitment, launching a design competition that attracted 40 architectural practices. Ebe Ausfelder Partner's winning scheme earned the firm the contract—an architect known for pioneering social housing, innovative living concepts, and genuinely affordable residential solutions. Nestled within a neighborhood of single-family homes, this maximum three-story complex respects its context, integrating gracefully with the surrounding urban fabric. The resulting Generationenpark accommodates 87 primarily subsidized units for approximately 200 residents spanning different generations and socioeconomic backgrounds—singles, families with children, and people with disabilities coexist here. Verdant loggias link the individual houses throughout the complex, fostering connection. The program also weaves in essential community facilities: an inclusive three-group nursery, event space, café, laundry facility with fitness room, workshop, guest apartment, and an office for a community liaison coordinator.

Built across two phases on approximately 6,000 m², the Generationenpark comprises 18 individual homes—twelve in the first phase, six in the second. They're arranged in staggered configuration with varying heights, alternating between two- and three-story volumes. The housing mix spans studio apartments through five-room flats, accommodating diverse household types.

Two residential blocks encircle landscaped courtyards, connected by an internal access road. Community and mutual commitment are deeply embedded in the development's DNA. GWG selects residents through extensive interviews, ensuring that inhabitants' commitment to communal living becomes a decisive factor in tenant selection. The architects reinforced this philosophy through design language as well. Warm, varied color gradations distinguish each building; the external walkways feature expanded metal screening that balances transparency with weather protection. Generous "communication terraces" invite informal gathering—ideal for lingering conversations or simply soaking up sunshine.

www.eap-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Florian Schreiber
www.florianschreiber.de

GWG Königsbrunn

(Published in CUBE Munich 01|20)