Regensburger Quarter in Nuremberg by Behles & Jochimsen

The site had excellent transport links, but lacked urban integration. Existing row houses by Albert Speer were integrated into new plans for affordable housing, under the motto “City instead of settlement”. Thirty five houses, similar yet distinct, vary in height and layout, grouped into four blocks with narrow lanes.

A central square with shops, café, and a family center connects old and new. A low tech tower marks the city’s entrance. A ring road keeps cars out, and a closed perimeter shields noise. Noise also influenced the building structures: walls are sand-lime brick, floors are concrete, and windows are small and set deep for insulation. This led to a key design feature: wide reveals enlarge the wall openings. Simple structures kept costs low. Raised ground floors reduced earthworks and improved lower flats. A few basic layouts were used in various combinations, with bespoke details minimized. This allowed for better quality materials, like mineral render, local stone, and timber doors.