Neue Gartenstadt Öjendorf

Karres and Brands made a proposal that is built upon the fundamental principles of the Öjendorf Garden City masterplan. It does not try to reinvent the plan but rather strengthens it through careful analysis and design interventions. The plan framework responds to the landscape structure of the knicks resulting in a composition of buildings that draw their identity from the landscape rather than from architectural typology. The individual buildings are held together by a strong architectonic frame that not only gives the block unity but strengthens the “room in room” principle of the masterplan.

The essence of our proposal lies in the choreography between inside and outside. This border between every apartment and the landscape is carefully designed and highly specific. It results in a kaleidoscope of galleries, balconies, pergolas, terraces, and gardens that extend the apartments into nature and provide them their identity. All while stimulating interaction between neighbors and supporting community life in the block. The direct connection with the outdoors is therefore an experience that is not limited to the ground floor but extends through all levels of the buildings. A true vertical garden city where every inhabitant is gifted a high-quality private garden.

The rich mixture of different garden typologies showcases the diversity of their block and brings together its inhabitants. The block is a mixture of simple and honest materials, combining predominantly plaster, steel and wood with plaster being the base material in larger buildings while the regalas and galleries are executed in steel with timber elements (such as storage and decks) that provide a softer more natural touch and give buildings a surprisingly deep finish. Smaller buildings and row houses are clad in timber.

Our proposal aims to merge nature and architecture into one and extend the experience of nature into individual units. To do this, as much room for greenery as possible is left in the heart of the plan, providing a solid base for structuing the open spaces and optimally integrating existing vegetation while making room for new nature. Combining spaces for play and community life with lush green spaces, room for ecology and water collection all anchor the plan in the surrounding ecosystems. Through integrated interventions in architecture, nature is extended into the buildings and becomes part of it, both visually as well as ecologically. The use of local, natural and robust materials as well as vegetation, ensures optimal building costs and low maintenance.