Where Art Meets Nature
A residential building in Duisburg engages in dialogue with its surroundings
At Rhine kilometre 780, a towering 25-meter steel sculpture by Lutz Frisch commands attention. Residents of a new apartment building in Duisburg-Homberg enjoy the same captivating views—of this striking artwork, the Rhine, and the Ruhr estuary. pkp Architekten from Neuss designed this generous residential structure to celebrate its scenic location, weaving the vibrant landscape into the very fabric of the building's architecture.
The primary challenge was maximizing livable space on a compact 715 m² site. The solution delivered 710 m² of living area distributed across six units, offering flexibility with sizes ranging from 80 to 157 m². This variety accommodates everyone—from singles and couples to families. The street-facing façade features a distinctive bay window and an unmistakable entrance area, deliberately set back on the building's right edge. Painted in Rhine orange—RAL 2004—this entrance is a deliberate reference to the sculpture across the street. The choice is deliberate: this vibrant orange creates striking visual contrast against the pristine white of the façade, making a bold architectural statement.
Interior colour plays an equally important role. The stairwell glows in green, creating an uplifting atmosphere as residents enter their homes. The building's rear elevation opens generously to the landscape through floor-to-ceiling windows, while each unit features a spacious balcony with wooden decking and privacy screening.
Every residence is fully accessible and equipped with triple-glazed windows. The floor plans prioritize generous living spaces with customizable kitchens—a design strategy that floods each unit with natural light. Interior finishes are refined: parquet floors warm the living areas, while kitchens and baths feature quality tile. An air-source heat pump with underfloor heating ensures year-round comfort. Each unit includes private basement storage, with shared laundry facilities for all residents.
Photos:
Reimund Braun
www.reimund-braun.de
(From CUBE Ruhrgebiet 03|21)
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