Nestled among rolling green hills and forests on Essen's southern outskirts, the Ruhr Heights residential area boasts a picturesque mix of established single-family homes and modern apartment buildings steadily claiming their space. Architect Dr. Hermann Klapheck designed one such new residential complex for the Schlun building group on a 2,400 m² plot that once housed a single-family home. With its two-and-a-half-storey street-facing elevation, the building integrates elegantly into the site's topography while revealing its full architectural potential toward the south.

The project presented considerable challenges on multiple fronts. Construction occurred amid material shortages, escalating costs, and lingering pandemic effects—a demanding context that the design team navigated skillfully. The site's dramatic slope proved particularly complex, yet it became a defining asset for residents. As Reinhard Kalker of the Schlun building group explains: "We had to contend with a seven-meter elevation change, which meant the rear façade rises three-and-a-half storeys. Residents enjoy expansive views across the garden and into the forest beyond from every level, thanks to generous glazing and private balconies and terraces." The result: premium units ranging from 115 to 180 m². Three apartments per floor, plus two distinctive penthouses whose curved garden-facing forms offset the building's otherwise linear geometry. A car lift descends ten meters to the underground garage with 16 spaces—a necessity given the slope. To prevent congestion on the street, the city and developer executed a land swap, creating an additional parking space while relocating the sidewalk inward onto private property. The glazed entrance leads into a natural stone staircase, with all floors accessible by lift. Basement amenities—laundry and drying rooms, mechanical space—occupy the parking level. Each condominium showcases floor-to-ceiling doors and refined materials: most feature gas fireplaces, select units include air conditioning and saunas, while bathrooms are appointed with premium oversized tiles and luxury fixtures. Open-plan living-dining areas integrate seamlessly into kitchens, with parquet flooring throughout and underfloor heating as standard. Energy comes from a heat pump, backed by gas heating for peak demands. Bicycle parking, generously provided along the building's side, completes this thoughtfully designed residential community.

www.schlun.de

Photos:
Christian Deutscher
www.deutscher-fotografie.de

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 03|24)