Kvistgård Residential Ensemble

Oliver Heckmann

Description

The desire both to reduce building costs and engage in the design process determined the character and structure of this ensemble. Prefabricated wooden modules comprised of standardized building elements shortened the construction time and permitted residents to choose from different configurations.

In this organically laid-out ensemble nestled into the topography of the site, each group consists of nine residential units arranged around a shared courtyard protecting them from the wind and enabling a view for all into the surrounding landscaped park. From the outside spaces to the floor plan organization of the individual unit, the entire estate is characterized by a subtly formulated series of thresholds separating public from more private spaces. Branching walkways lead from the main path through the open corners of the more private courtyards. These are the interfaces of the small, manageable communities, each with its own connection to the landscape and passages to the individual residential units and their backyards. The kitchen of each unit is oriented toward the courtyard to foster an area of neighborly contact, while the bedrooms are all located on the top floors.

L-shaped constellations of three 5 × 5 m modules form the ground floors, which open up with an outdoor terrace to the surrounding landscape. An eat-in kitchen occupies the corner module where a staircase leads to the upper floor. Situated to one side of this is a covered passage to the courtyard and a large storage room behind, and on the other side, an open living room. For the upper floor, residents could choose between five options consisting of up to four modules. The smallest version uses only one module to provide a single bedroom with terrace above the kitchen. Two modules can be combined to create three bedrooms with an optional office or hallway as circulation space – with or without a bathroom. The four-module option incorporates an unused area of the neighboring unit.