Stefan Forster GmbH

This transformation of an old panel-system concrete high-rise in Halle-Neustadt (Saxony-Anhalt) resulted from an international exhibition in 2010 to explore ideas for urban renewal in this part of eastern Germany. The overall design was guided by the idea of “walking a tightrope” between two distinct parts of the city – the historic town centre of Halle and this 1960s “new town”. In line with the extensive refurbishment measures going on in Leinefelde, the high-rise was first of all reduced in size, leaving just six of the former eleven stairwells. The old standardised ground plans for the apartments were diversified into 18 different variants, including five maisonette apartments. And here, too, the ground-floor apartments have private gardens on both sides. The partial removal of the upper storeys creates a stepped volume with large roof terraces. As well as a continuous base of light-coloured clinker cladding and generously sized open spaces, the design also features a harmonious colour concept.

Refurbished Apartments: 125
Apartments Removed: 81
Living Space: 7,300 m²
Work Phases: 1-8
Workshop: 2003, 1st Prize
Completion: 04/2010