New Eschborn Center
City of Eschbordn, Germany
International Competition, 2025
FIRST PRIZE
Urban context
This sequence of buildings and spaces has largely been preserved and continues to characterize the townscape of Unterortstraße.
The adjacent Elereich district to the south, along Kurt-Schumacher-Straße, was heavily urbanized in the second half of the 20th century. Larger buildings with flat roofs dominate there. The first construction phase of the “New Eschborn Center” project forms an urban interface between the contemporary structure to the south and the village-like context north of Unterortstraße.
Site and Framework Conditions
The proposed extension incorporates the characteristic rhythm of built-up and open spaces. The scale and proportions of the buildings are carefully adapted to the historical context. The fragmentation of the building volume promotes an open relationship between the courtyard and both the Unterortstraße and the public open space of the first construction phase. The ensemble is organized around a central courtyard, which serves as a structuring element between private, semi-public, and public spaces.
Concept
The quality of life in this ensemble is created by the diversity of courtyards and gardens, as well as the spatial connections between them.
This creates special spaces that give the ensemble its own identity.
Functional Organization
The functional layout within the ensemble is based on the hierarchy of uses and the requirements for privacy and lighting.
The apartments are located on the upper floors, facing sun-exposed directions. The buildings closest to the street accommodate public functions (retail space) and semi-public uses (offices).
Architectural Expression
The sculptural staggering of the upper floors toward the street facilitates the dialogue between the efficient contemporary formal language and the typology of the traditional gabled-roof house.
The distinctive, closed wall surfaces with alternating window patterns are features inherited from the street’s original architecture.
Plastered walls ensure functionality, and wooden ceiling bases convey the building’s structure.
The design promotes social sustainability through clear orientation, consistent accessibility, and a high quality of stay in all areas. Open meeting areas and green spaces create space for informal exchange and, together with a pleasant indoor climate, contribute to promoting social interaction.
Energy Concept and Efficiency
The energy concept combines passive measures such as high-quality insulation, natural ventilation with heat recovery, and optimized daylighting to minimize energy consumption with active, renewable energy generation through photovoltaics and a heat pump with geothermal probes. Intelligent load management and the option to retrofit a storage system ensure an efficient, climate-friendly energy supply in the long term.
PROJECT TEAM:
ADNBA Planungsgesellschaft together with JBA (Johannes Bertleff Arhitectura)