A residential neighbourhood for families, students and senior citizens has been developed on a former industrial site in Eidelstedt, comprising 367 residential units (86 of which are socially-housed), office, medical practice and retail spaces, as well as an underground car park. The Eidelstedter Höfe are shielded from road traffic by the building layout and combine living with exercise and nature. Car-free cycle paths and footpaths criss-cross the heart of the neighbourhood, connecting private, semi-public and public open spaces. The open space design is by Mertins Landschaftsarchitektur.

More than 80 per cent of the roof surfaces are greened. A specially designed biodiversity roof creates habitats and refuges for numerous animal and plant species right in the heart of the city. Flower-rich plant communities provide food for ground beetles, wild bees and butterflies. Deadwood, gravel and crushed stone areas, temporary water features and nesting aids create additional sunbathing, breeding and hunting grounds. Drought-resistant succulents, herbs, grassland species and perennials support pollinators and contribute to increased biodiversity in the long term. From windows and balconies, residents enjoy views of this green oasis emerging between the buildings. Paths, square-like meeting points and play areas alternate, offering multifunctional spaces for socialising and activity. Low kerbs and linear seating elements structure the open spaces and create clear transitions between communal areas, play areas and private gardens. So-called ‘Active City’ elements are arranged along the central, semi-public access route. These low-threshold exercise facilities encourage physical activity in everyday life and are aimed equally at residents and the general public.

The question of how nature conservation can be combined with nature-based play gave rise to a special natural space: it leads through a woodland-like area on the edge of the residential neighbourhood to various play zones along the buildings within the Eidelstedter Höfe. This traffic-free ‘shortcut’ allows children and adults to experience biodiversity first-hand. A variety of structures were created to design this adventurous space: Animals find habitats here in hedges; wild-growing shrubs provide them with food. Gabions, Benjes hedges, boulders, palisades and tree trunks offer niches, whilst nesting aids specifically support insect diversity. The housing development has been awarded the DGNB Gold Certificate and sets standards for sustainable and liveable neighbourhood design.

www.mertins-hamburg.de

www.eidelstedter-hoefe.de

Photos:
Richard Lühring / MLA

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 01|26)