The property adjoins the Lerbach, a modest stream that meanders through the Bergisch Gladbach urban area—sometimes visible, sometimes concealed. The entire paved parking lot needed to be reimagined and densified. Grützner Architects from Cologne rose to this challenge, designing a residential complex that delivers barrier-free, subsidized housing within a fine-grained urban context. The courtyard-style arrangement of the buildings, linked by a connecting bridge, also thoughtfully addresses potential flooding risks.

The existing buildings along Bensberger Strasse in the Heidkamp district are two stories, defined by traditional gabled roofs. A savings bank originally occupied the ground floor, with a modest cashier's hall extending to the rear—later abandoned and slated for demolition. The remainder of the site was entirely paved and given over to parking. Proximity to the Lerbach stream meant flood protection had to be central to the design strategy. Drawing from the fine-grained character of neighboring structures, the architects conceived a courtyard-style complex with two wings connected by a bridge. This bridge provides barrier-free access to a shared elevator serving all residential units. With the adjacent property already built to its boundary line, the new structure could be positioned as an extension to the neighboring building, dispensing with typical setback requirements. Like their neighbors, both wings are topped with gabled roofs—crisp and contemporary, stripped of traditional overhangs. Cantilevered, covered balcony loggias that extend to the eaves become a defining feature, offering residents welcome privacy. Given the persistent flood risk, the ground floor serves solely for parking and waste management.

All ten apartments—ranging from 35 to 97 m² with one to four rooms—occupy the first upper floor and attic level. Each unit was sized according to subsidized housing standards. Generous dormers flood the interiors with natural light and create inviting spatial proportions. The masonry employs a single-shell, monolithic system of lightweight climate blocks that required only a finishing plaster coat. The roof is clad in Tegalit tiles, with dormers and eaves trimmed in zinc sheeting. Heating and hot water are supplied by a heat pump system.

www.gruetzner-architekten.de

Photography:
Axel Hartmann
www.ah-fotografie.de

(Featured in CUBE Cologne Bonn 03|25)