a+r Architekten

We all dream of living in a strong, supportive community. While it may not be the only key to happiness (in housing), a good neighbourhood environment significantly contributes to a more relaxed, slower-paced daily life. How and where we encounter each other is strongly influenced by the architecture and urban design of a neighbourhood. This is why we implemented a successful neighbourhood development with a focus on fostering community as part of the 2024 State Garden Show in Wangen im Allgäu. In collaboration with the client, Siedlungswerk GmbH, we created a vibrant, functional mix of various apartment sizes and types, all using timber construction.

A lively community

Adjacent to the Auwiesenpark, which was newly designed as part of the State Garden Show, and located right by the Obere Argen river, lies the new Auwiesen estate. This neighbourhood includes 22 courtyard houses with 4 rental flats each, as well as three multi-family buildings with 33 flats each. The diversity of housing types, ranging from single-family homes to apartments available for rent or purchase, contributes to a vibrant and socially diverse community. Internal pathways connect the different areas and the three central plazas of the new residential estate, creating spaces for encounters. The three squares called “Vereinsplatz”, “Quartiersplatz” and “Nachbarschaftshof” provide spaces for exchange, meetings and communal activities. The neighbourhood’s car-sharing and e-bike-sharing services, along with an e-bike charging station, support sustainable mobility and reflect the forward-looking approach for the new neighbourhood desired by Siedlungswerk GmbH as both client, landlord, and co-owner. The architecture of the buildings, together with the urban structure, promotes community while respecting the privacy of residents. The direct integration into the garden show grounds strengthens the connection between nature and living space.

Quality living and space efficiency – the courtyard house

The 22 courtyard houses in the Auwiesen estate not only offer a high quality of living but are also a prime example of space efficiency. As plot sizes continue to decrease, the courtyard house – a building type that had fallen somewhat out of favour in recent years – proves to be an exceptionally space-saving design. Compared to conventional single-family home developments, these homes require only about a quarter of the land, making them remarkably efficient in urban areas. The enclosing design around a private inner courtyard creates a tranquil retreat that also offers various uses for relaxation or the temporary extension of living space – ideal for families and urban residents who do not want to do without access to open spaces. The well-known compact courtyard house design offers additional advantages in terms of energy efficiency. The natural ventilation and lighting of the courtyard improve the indoor climate, while the enclosed structure provides excellent noise insulation. Studies like those on the Puchenau Garden City near Linz, Austria, show that residents of courtyard houses experience a high level of satisfaction, which even reduces mobility behaviours. Many residents prefer to spend their free time at home rather than travelling to the countryside, which contributes to energy and resource savings.

Living in a green “shelf” – the apartment buildings

The three multi-family buildings, each with 33 apartments spread across three stories plus a smaller top floor, form a clear edge along the garden show grounds. A freestanding aluminium framework for climbing plants installed in front of the building extends the horizontal greenery of Auwiesenpark vertically. This creates a natural connection between the buildings and the surrounding landscape, while also enhancing the microclimate and improving living quality. This “shelf” structure also integrates balconies and terraces assigned to each apartment. To provide additional outdoor spaces and further strengthen the internal community, shared roof terraces are available to all residents. Sixteen of the 2-, 3-, and 4-room apartments have been implemented as subsidised housing, with 13 of them being barrier-free, promoting social and age diversity in the neighbourhood.

Prefabricated timber construction with high energy efficiency

Both the courtyard houses and the apartment buildings are largely prefabricated timber structures. The exterior walls were factory-finished with a ventilated wood façade, and windows were pre-installed wherever possible. Only the basement and the compact stairwell core of the multi-family buildings are made of reinforced concrete. The structural framework of both building types relies on timber panel walls, timber beams and 20 cm cross-laminated timber elements for floor slabs. Bound gravel fill and floating screed were used to ensure optimal soundproofing. In many cases, compliance with fire protection requirements could be demonstrated through the charring proof of timber components, allowing exposed timber ceilings and beams, in particular, that give the interiors a natural and pleasant atmosphere. The Auwiesen residential development meets the energy efficiency standards of an Efficiency House 55 and is connected to the local heating network operated by the municipal utility company in Wangen im Allgäu.