BA1 Hansastraße

Buildings C and D:
Component C2 closes the gap in Hansastrasse and, like its predecessor, is characterised by a smooth, stone band façade. Slightly convex, these stone bands protrude in front of the façade level and are covered with a ceramic skin. Between these stone bands is the serial relief of the metal façade, which seems to carry playfully the shining ceramic bands.

The plinth opens the building towards Hansastrasse and, apart from the public functions of the boarding house, takes up the broad access to the “Grüner Schlucht” (green gorge), which from this side forms the start of the inner world of the quarter reserved for pedestrians.

In direct contact, Component C1 develops into the depths of the site right up to the town square. In accordance with the highly regulated main usage of the subsidised housing, the building is characterised by recurring forms, proportions and elements. Corresponding to the different sides, however, they gain space and autonomy in their individual formation, encompass and connect the individual members of the component to form a single body.

Component D on the northern edge of the site is characterised by its situation next to the neighbours’ firewall and the orientation to the light. Like eyes, the town house façades open up to the south-east, balconies and porches provide the necessary protection, just like the slightly raised front gardens. The interplay between stone-faced sgraffito, wooden façade elements and ceramic-clad panels also defines the head-end building. Here, loggias are lined with the warm materials and open up alcoves to the town square, where urban life can be viewed from a safe distance.