Housing demand continues to grow steadily—yet only limited land is available. This applies equally to the densely populated Rhine-Main region. Densifying urban spaces through building extensions is one approach to this challenge. After all, it creates additional living space without consuming new land. Such was the case with this 1960s residential building in Wiesbaden, which Yuen Architekten modernized and restructured by replacing the original gabled roof with a staggered top floor and roof terrace.

In planning and design, the focus extended beyond functional and ecological considerations to encompass aesthetic concerns and, of course, the client's vision: an open-plan living space integrating dining, kitchen, and living areas; expansive windows capturing views of the surroundings; and a generous roof terrace overlooking the adjacent greenery. The architects conceived the design to forge a harmonious dialogue between old and new: while preserving the building's existing structure, the extension created a contemporary living environment whose exterior envelope visibly distinguishes itself from the original fabric. This differentiation serves not merely as an aesthetic choice but as a statement reinforcing the principle of urban densification.

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.

www.yuen-architekten.de

Photography:
Boris Crull
www.photobo.de

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 04|24)