Residential Complex Höxterstrasse

The large residential estate Höxterstrasse Hagen of the Gemeinnützige Wohnstättengenossenschaft Hagen built in the 1970s shared the fate of many a residential sites of that time; they were considered as social hotspots and looked extremely rundown. The integrated project approach of Stadtbildplanung Dortmund, remedied this problem. They planned the basic modernisation and energy-conserving renovation of the façades, windows and roofs with solar systems. In addition, the entrances, lighting and stairways were renovated, and the green spaces and playgrounds were redesigned. The architecture focuses on the traditional structure and proportions, found in historic buildings in the 19th century. This narrative concept alleviates the seventeen grey residential blocks – all of the same shape – of their monotony and reinstates the building’s basement and mezzanine level, string course and canopies. The narrow, dark entrances have been replaced by a generous portal, and the large house numbers above the canopies have made orientation considerably easier. Particularly worthy of mention is the mezzanine level which is decorated throughout with a picturesque mountain landscape. This is printed on ALUCOBOND®. Inspired by the mountain paintings of the artist, Edward Theodore Compton (1849–1921), the decorative picture relates to the hilly landscape of Hagen. The architects were also inspired by paintings where the seventeen different colours of the buildings are concerned; the colour compositions of light beige to dark red originate from the paintings of the Italian artist, Giorgio de Chirico (1888–1978).

Architects: Stadtbildplanung Dortmund GmbH, Dortmund | Germany
Construction: Riveted / Screwed
Year of Construction: 2008
Product: ALUCOBOND® various colours