Being able to access support when needed speaks to a compassionate society—one where people genuinely care for one another. Yet nobody wants to live in constant dependence. Self-determined living should be the norm, not a luxury few can achieve. True accessibility starts in the mind, but it must translate into daily reality. Housing projects like "City Inklusive," developed by the Josefs-Gesellschaft in Troisdorf, demonstrate what's possible. Schulte Architekten's design impressed not only the client but also earned the North Rhine-Westphalia State Prize for Architecture, Housing and Urban Development.

Following the timeless real estate principle—location, location, location—this building lands in an ideal spot. The property enjoys proximity to the city centre, with everyday shopping, medical services, and leisure activities all within reach. But genuine community starts even closer to home, right outside the door. Neighboring St. Hippolytus parish creates rich opportunities for social connection and meaningful participation. The new building, together with the church and former parish hall, frames a protected yet open courtyard that echoes the contemplative geometry of a cloister. Communal spaces and residential units face this courtyard. Here, the architecture steps back gracefully—the three-storey residential block opens itself through transparent glazed balconies and a staggered top floor. The street elevation tells a different story, presenting four full storeys that dialog with the solid mass of the church.

Accessibility wasn't just a requirement—it was foundational to the entire design. It manifests not only in site and apartment layouts, but in thoughtfully considered details: sunken waste containers ease daily routines for wheelchair users, just as lowered kitchen counters do. The building itself employs straightforward, proven systems: underfloor heating via a gas condensing boiler, solar thermal panels for hot water, and individual fresh-air ventilation in each unit. Nothing revolutionary, nothing fussy—simply the right infrastructure for genuine self-determination. The 38 residents here can lead fully autonomous lives, accepting help when needed, not because they must, but because they choose to.

www.schultearchitekten.de

Photography Credits:

Manos Meisen
www.manosmeisen.de

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 02|20)