In a prominent location opposite Europaplatz in Herne, Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Herne Süd eG owns five apartment buildings with 92 rented residential units. The six to seven-storey buildings were constructed between 1976 and 1977 and were to be renovated to improve their energy efficiency and the residential environment in order to maintain affordable housing close to the city in the long term. The modernization is part of the Innovation City Ruhr measures and was funded by the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia via NRW.Bank. When the Tor 5 Architekten office commissioned with the refurbishment took stock of the building, it presented a picture that was no longer in keeping with the times: the black block at the prominent crossroads appeared gloomy, the narrow, long entrance areas were not barrier-free and the dark corridors were perceived as scary spaces. The inner courtyard consisted mainly of uninviting paved areas with a garbage tip and parking facilities as well as a small playground. After the renovation work, which lasted from 2018 to 2024, the buildings are hardly recognizable. The façade was upgraded with high-quality, sustainable and coordinated materials. With its light-colored plaster and striking base made of lively clinker brick slips, the ensemble now has a friendly and inviting appearance as a striking urban edge. The entrances have been widened with large windows and canopies, allowing natural light from the entrance and inner courtyard into the corridors. Building in an inhabited state posed a particular challenge for the Bochum architects and tradespeople, where open communication and a precise schedule were essential. The balconies were made more accessible and benefit from more light after the work. The new windows are triple-glazed with window rebate ventilation. The elevators were also renewed to improve accessibility and create barrier-free entrances. A communal area with a terrace has been created on the roof, while the remaining roof areas have been greened. The inner courtyard was partially raised to ensure barrier-free access. The playground remains lowered. Lawns, benches, spacious play areas and seating steps create a higher quality of stay. Hedges were planted around the tenant terraces and bicycle parking facilities were created. The single-pipe heating system was retained, the condensing boilers in both heating centers were replaced and the gas heating was combined with air heat pumps. All measures have been certified in accordance with environmental protection criteria and the building meets new-build energy standards.

www.tor5.de

Photos:
Michael Godehardt
www.michaelgodehardt.de

(Published in CUBE Ruhr Area 04|24)