Residential complex Hessenring by FFM-ARCHITEKTEN.

A residential complex from the 1960s, with four three-storey rows, was extended with additional storeys and five three-storey wooden “satellites”. In addition to the warm wooden façades, the external walkways with stairs are a distinctive feature. Lifts, walkways, and pergolas provide accessible access to 62 of the 124 flats.

The new buildings are set among old trees, creating climate-friendly, lively squares, playgrounds, and green areas along meandering paths in an open “parkland”. The structure of the new buildings is made entirely from renewable resources and contrasts the brightly modernized existing buildings. The footbridges, letterboxes, and playground equipment are accentuated in different colors to provide orientation and identity. The concept of transforming existing residential complexes with components consisting of satellites and roof extensions, external access, and landscaping into a lively neighborhood can also be applied as a model to other residential complexes of the time.