A touch of the countryside in Cologne
In the west of Cologne, a new residential neighbourhood called “Ehre und Liebig” is being built, with the feel of a holiday village. Divided into small areas, green and suitable for all lifestyles, the project offers flats, townhouses and shops for everyday needs.
From above, the design almost looks as though someone has built a pretty holiday village with building blocks. But what Swiss architect Manuel Herz has created for developer BPD is far more than that. The residential neighbourhood “Ehre und Liebig” promises exceptional quality of life, offering many things in the heart of the big city that you would otherwise only find in rural areas.
Between Nippes and Ehrenfeld
“Ehre und Liebig” is being built on a former Toyota site between Cologne’s Nippes and Ehrenfeld districts, both of which are known for their diversity and colourful city life. Both districts arose in the late 19th century, strongly influenced by their history and the perimeter block development typical at the time. So it is only logical that the planners are creating a new residential neighbourhood that stands out from the “mundane.” As architect Herz explains, the site in question is the gap that “needs to be filled to reconnect the two neighbourhoods”.
The design created in this spirit is described by Herz as follows: “It has a clear urban structure, utilizing both perimeter block development and a courtyard concept. There are clear differences between the two elements.”
From small to large, inexpensive to luxurious
The “Ehre und Liebig” project will feature a wide array of units: from small to large flats, from open-plan studios across one floor to spacious maisonettes spread over two levels, from townhouses to bungalows. With variations for families, couples and single residents, as well as flats specially tailored to the needs of seniors and flat shares. For households with small budgets or ample financial resources.
The stated goal of the developer BPD is “variety”: “With the help of urban planning and architectural measures, we are creating a mixed, diverse, heterogeneous and lively city district.” This includes around 67 owner-occupied flats, 70 privately financed and subsidized rental flats and five subsidized shared flats for four residents each (five of which are wheelchair-accessible).
Local living in “Ehre und Liebig”
Plans for “Ehre und Liebig” also include some 35 townhouses, 2,300 square metres of office space and around 430 square metres of retail space. There will also be space for a children’s nursery.
Along Liebigstraße, the concept utilizes the perimeter block development style of the surrounding area. In addition to privately financed and subsidized rental flats, subsidized shared flats, an office building, small shops and the children’s nursery mentioned above are being built here. At the edge of the block facing Pettenkoferstraße, on the other hand, there are plans for compact, versatile owner-occupied flats.
Townhouses in the inner courtyard
The design places the townhouses in an inner courtyard on Wöhler Straße, shielded from the outside by residential buildings and an office block. Each of these townhouses has its own private courtyard as well. Most of these “jewels” in the complex will also have rooftop terraces.
Nine of the 37 townhouses will enjoy a special privilege: they feature furnished rooftops from which residents can enjoy unobstructed views of the green, colourful roof landscape of the entire neighbourhood. The six-storey “Punkthaus” will also be integrated into the multi-layered development of the “Ehre und Liebig” complex: this is a multi-family dwelling with 26 custom-designed owner-occupied flats and large, private rooftop terraces.
An outdoor meeting place
“Ehre und Liebig” will be criss-crossed by a car-free path system planted with greenery. This almost village-like concept provides residents with individual addresses and entrances. The central hub is the neighbourhood square: an inviting meeting place with a tree and benches.
Many relaxing and green open spaces for all residents, private courtyards, extra-large balconies, terraces and recessed balconies feature prominently in the project. The elaborate green concept will contribute positively to the neighbourhood’s microclimate. The dense greenery will also support urban biodiversity. In addition to trees, shrubs and green spaces, numerous raised beds and planters (e.g. for urban gardening) will be placed on the private rooftop terraces and outdoor paths.
Sustainable daily life
There is no question that “Ehre und Liebig” will deliver incredible sustainability with its energy concept and green design. But the residential neighbourhood will also offer future residents opportunities to integrate sustainability conveniently into their everyday lives: car sharing schemes and secure bicycle parking are an integral part of the plan.
On-site demolition work has already been finished and the project has received its building permit. Construction of “Ehre und Liebig” is scheduled for completion in 2025.
Feel-good village in the big city
Liveable, green homes in urban surroundings are highly sought after and a feeling of being in nature is increasingly in demand. The fact that such things must also be affordable for people on lower incomes is beyond dispute. There are good reasons why similar projects like Jernbanebyen in Copenhagen, Ascension Paysagère in Rennes and Downsview in Toronto have met with great interest.
The area between Nippes and Ehrenfeld, formerly dominated by large commercial buildings, is ideally suited to set a future-oriented example in Cologne. With a multifaceted concept that creates a veritable “feel-good village” in the heart of this large German city.