At the southwestern edge of the expansive Hufeland House campus in Seckbach, a distinctive building has emerged that brings together living, care, and education in one integrated community. Drei Eins Stadt Freiraum Architektur designed this innovative project for the Evangelical Association for Inner Mission, uniting 39 barrier-free apartments for assisted living and a daycare center under a single roof, built atop a 18-space underground garage. Despite the site's constrained footprint, the new structure masterfully balances openness with intimacy. Its gently angled floor plan ensures that the seven-story building avoids any monumental presence, instead radiating warmth and accessibility—a truly multigenerational gathering place where different life stages naturally intersect.

The new building replaces a 1960s residential facility while seamlessly connecting to a daycare extension added in 2018. This transition from past to present is conceived both structurally and philosophically: the new structure becomes a vital piece of the Hufeland House ecosystem, nurturing people throughout their life journey. The exterior presents a calm, composed expression. South-facing loggias flood the apartments with natural light, while glazed communal loggias to the north frame expansive views of the surrounding landscape. These thresholds between interior and exterior create dynamic spaces for exchange, offering residents a thoughtful equilibrium between private retreat and vibrant community connection.

The ground floor opens generously to the neighborhood: the daycare flows naturally with existing nursery spaces, creating a continuous circulation loop. An inviting bistro and flexible multipurpose area anchors an animated hub where children play, learn, and interact. Expansive glazing dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior—come summer, movement and play flow seamlessly across both realms.

The upper levels are devoted entirely to residential living. Two-room apartments with loggias and thoughtfully restrained floor plans prevail, carefully calibrated to foster both autonomy and safety. Every apartment meets barrier-free and senior-accessible standards. A shared communal room on the ground floor reinforces the living philosophy and completes the residential experience. The landscaping and outdoor design received equally meticulous attention—these spaces function as both practical extensions and integral components of the overall vision, actively fostering quality of life and meaningful participation. Accessible pathways and generous green areas punctuated with seating invite residents to linger. The northern entrance zone encourages gathering and movement—accommodating bicycles, strollers, and conversation alike. To the south and west, the daycare's play fields flourish in the open air.

www.dreieins.eu

Photography:
Lars Gruber
www.larsgruber.de
Katrin Schander
www.katrinschander.de
Beatrix Baltabol

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 04|25)