Building Modernisation, Open Space Design, and Residential Construction

After renovation and modernisation the former residents have moved into the buildings of Weltquartier once again. New structures are springing up to the north and the south, their asymmetrical roofs giving the formerly classic brick-built settlement a distinctive appearance. Small gardens, playgrounds, and a path that meanders through the inner courtyard extend the open space concept and offer the residents valuable and diverse opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

The prize-winners of the urban planning implementation and ideas competition to create a design for the “Global Neighbourhood” were chosen in early 2008. About twenty working groups had undertaken the task of investigating the particular elements of the urban space and the existing buildings, and how these could be developed in such a way as to foster an intercultural neighbourhood. “The winning design addresses the specific needs of the “Global Neighbourhood’s” multicultural population. The open spaces will be made more attractive, following the wishes of the residents,”: the IBA Director Uli Hellweg assessing the first award winner (kfs Architekten, Lübeck mit Sven Andresen und Urte Schlie Landschaftsarchitektur, Lübeck). 

A joint project team of representatives from SAGA GWG and the International Bauausstellung IBA (International Building Exhibition) Hamburg GmbH then worked intensively on confirming the planning details and putting them into action. Plenty of the buildings are beeing sustained by purpose so that the original structure of the residential quarter is not beeing changed completly. Only in some situations which are of urban planning interest new buildings were constructed to bring out the main points. The total number of homes decreases by about 50 to about 770 Living units, but the total area takes a strong rise because the building was constructed higher and broader. Floor plans and fittings will be completely modernised and adapted to the needs of the largely ethnic minority residents. This includes the addition of generous terraces, the installation of bathtubs for the first time, and the option to instal large kitchens with eating areas. There is a high demand for these apartments, but the rents are staying at around their former level. As energy savings are expected to amount to around € 0.40 per square metre per month, rent including heating costs will rise by about € 0.13 per square metre per month. However the apartments meet new-build standards.

Due to the improved heat insulation and the building renovations involved, the “Global Neighbourhood” acts as a model project in terms of energy efficiency. It already meets the energy standards that will be required in future, as most of the new buildings are built to Passive House standard. Another important element of the renovation work is the conversion of the apartments’ heat supply. Since 2013 the old air raid bunker nearby, having been transformed into the "Energy Bunker", will supply renewable energy for heat and electricity to the Reiherstieg district. As a result, the renovated buildings within the “Global Neighbourhood” will produce zero carbon emissions, while their primary energy requirement has plummeted from 300 to 9 kilowatt-hours per square metre per year.

The transformation of the open spaces between the individual apartment blocks was one of the major issues during the planning stage. Although a large number of trees in the zone between Veringstrasse and Weimarer Strasse had to be felled in order to create access routes, the landscaping concept awarded the prize in the competition involves the creation of high quality green spaces. In addition, all of the tenants will be able to rent the communal gardens free of charge. There are also multiple newly installed routes to the nearby “World Commercial Park” and the neighbouring “Rotenhäuser Feld” via “Weimarer Platz” in the Reiherstieg district.