Building Up
Adding storeys offers sustainable solutions to urban challenges
Housing demand continues to rise, yet developable land remains scarce – a challenge especially acute in the densely populated Rhine-Main region. Building upward by adding storeys to existing structures presents an elegant solution: more living space emerges without consuming additional land. This principle guided the transformation of a 1960s residential building in Wiesbaden by Yuen Architects. They replaced the original pitched roof with a setback floor and roof terrace, creating contemporary living quarters while preserving the building's existing footprint.
The design process balanced functional and ecological concerns with aesthetic vision and the client's aspirations: an open-plan living area seamlessly integrating kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces; expansive windows framing views of the surrounding landscape; and a generous roof terrace overlooking the mature trees beyond. The architects orchestrated a thoughtful dialogue between old and new—the existing building's structure remained intact while the addition introduced a distinctly contemporary layer. This visual differentiation serves a dual purpose: it's both an aesthetic statement and a deliberate expression of the urban densification principle. The new exterior envelope stands in clear contrast to the original building fabric, making the project's philosophy tangible.
The material palette reflects a hybrid approach: wood and steel modular construction. This combination harnesses the strengths of both materials – wood's renewable sustainability paired with steel's structural integrity and longevity. The façade features pre-weathered standing seam metal, selected for superior weather protection, minimal maintenance, and lasting durability. With roof and façade merging into a seamless visual continuum, the addition reads as a cohesive whole.
The new interior embraces open-plan living, uniting kitchen, dining, and lounge in one expansive area. Large-format windows blur the boundary between inside and out, framing views of the surroundings. The roof terrace extends this living experience outdoors, offering a verdant retreat within the canopy of mature trees. This project demonstrates how ecological building practices and innovative design converge to craft modern living spaces that respect both resources and residents.
Photography:
Boris Crull
www.photobo.de
(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 04|24)
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