Subsidised housing need not carry the stigma of being "cheap" – quite the opposite. A multi-family residence on Wesseling's southern outskirts proves that affordable living and thoughtful design can coexist beautifully. Grützner Architects from Cologne designed and realized two facing residential buildings whose clean architectural language creates a striking visual gateway to the new Eichholz-Keldenich neighborhood.

Located along Urfelder Straße, each block contains two full storeys topped by a solid parapet, an upper penthouse level, and a basement with underground parking. Both buildings maximize the permitted 14-metre depth while opening the upper storeys toward the courtyard and garden with staggered terraces. The 33 units gain expansive southwest-facing glass fronts, with generously proportioned terraces and loggias thoughtfully separated to ensure privacy. Ground-floor terraces face landscaped gardens that shield the semi-public realm from outside view. A regular modular system—optimized from structural framework to underground parking—drives both economic efficiency and sustainable operation, enabling flexible apartment configurations from larger units to compact studios. Barrier-free access throughout all levels welcomes wheelchair-accessible apartments, fostering inclusive living. Visually, the façades captivate with white plaster alternating with natural oak formwork, creating dynamic interplay between transparent and seemingly open windows. The wood—both harmonizing with the landscape and echoing the oak forest of neighbouring Eichholz Castle—speaks to the site's identity. Both buildings exceed KfW Efficiency House standards, with one reaching the premium Standard 55. District heating and cooling serve the entire development via a combined heat and power plant. Flat roofs feature extensive green coverage.

www.gruetzner-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Axel Hartmann
www.ah-fotografie.de

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 01|23)