Nestled near Dortmund Zoo, postwelters + partner Architektur und Stadtplanung designed and built a socially conscious and ecologically sustainable residential quarter for Spar- und Bauverein eG Dortmund. The development brings together four multi-family buildings and an inclusive housing facility around a shared community plaza, spanning just under 3,000 m². In 2024, the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia recognized it with the KlimaQuartier.NRW designation.

The quarter offers 24 residential units—twelve apartments and one independent shared living arrangement—with sizes ranging from 45 m² to 165 m². Configured as two- to four-room units, they accommodate diverse households: singles, couples, and families. Residents enjoy both design flexibility and affordable rents. The development also features fully accessible, age-appropriate housing for people with mobility impairments, and accommodations designed specifically for young adults with intellectual disabilities. The inclusive residential building for ages 18–30 addresses both physical and cognitive needs while fostering genuine community participation in daily life. This concept emerged from intensive collaboration between the architecture team, the parents' initiative WiO e.V., and residents themselves. The organization "WiO – Wohnen im Ort e.V." was established by 15 families as a tenant cooperative, seeking an innovative housing model that balanced community life with flexibility. Above all, they envisioned a space where young adults could participate fully in society and everyday living, enabling them to lead independent, self-determined lives despite their disabilities.

Energy efficiency stands as another hallmark. Using monolithic masonry, the development achieves Efficiency House 40 certification while exceeding Passive House standards. The energy strategy combines photovoltaic systems, air-to-water heat pumps, and high-performance ventilation with heat recovery—all tied to an intelligent tenant electricity model that lets residents directly benefit from the power they generate. The quarter's infrastructure equally prioritizes sustainable mobility: extensive cycling paths and parking, shared car-sharing, and a completely car-free design all contribute meaningfully to long-term climate resilience.

www.post-welters.de

Photography:

Cornelia Suhan
www.suhanfotografie.com

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 03|25)