Andreasgarten Multigenerational Housing by Dorschner Kahl Architects + Heiner Mildner Architects

Promoting Sustainable, Inclusive, and Communal Living in Erfurt

Located in the heart of Erfurt, Germany, Andreasgarten Multigenerational Housing is an innovative residential development designed by Dorschner Kahl Architects and Heiner Mildner Architects. Encompassing approximately 23,000 m², this visionary project includes around 100 rental apartments, a therapy center offering social and medical services, a chapel, and a kindergarten. The development aims to create a harmonious living environment that fosters community connections while reflecting sustainable urban progress.

Innovative Multigenerational Design

Strategically situated near the Zitadelle on Petersberg, the Andreasgarten complex features three slender, three-story wooden buildings surrounding a semi-public courtyard adorned with fruit trees, shrubs, and perennials. The buildings integrate exterior and interior spaces seamlessly, encouraging interaction between residents. The architectural design ensures that private living areas extend into communal gardens, nurturing a vibrant and inclusive neighborhood.

Diverse Living Spaces for All Ages

The rental apartments are designed to accommodate families, couples, and individuals of all ages. Additionally, two nursing communities on the ground floor provide elderly residents with opportunities for communal living, blending care with independence. The development includes social and medical services and a multipurpose room, ensuring a high quality of life for all residents.

Seamless Connection Through Verandas

The verandas are a defining feature of the three residential buildings, establishing a link between private apartments and the communal courtyard. These outdoor extensions foster communication and community engagement while offering tranquil views of both the inner courtyard and the surrounding cityscape. The verandas extend across the buildings, promoting interaction and strengthening the sense of shared living.

Hybrid Construction: Strength and Sustainability

The project adopts a hybrid construction method that combines structural strength with environmental sustainability. The ground floor features reinforced concrete access cores and masonry, while the upper floors are constructed using prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls and visible CLT ceilings, enhancing the thermal and aesthetic quality of the living spaces.

Adaptive Reuse of Historical Structures

A key highlight of Andreasgarten is the adaptive reuse of a historic brick carriage house below Zitadelle Petersberg, transformed into a kindergarten for 111 children. This restored structure, expanded with a wooden veranda, serves as a bridge between the new residential complex and the area’s historical heritage. This respectful integration of the past into the present highlights the project’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban development.

Sustainability and Community Integration

Andreasgarten embodies principles of sustainable architecture by using natural materials, energy-efficient systems, and fostering social inclusion. The semi-public gardens and communal areas provide opportunities for residents to interact and build lasting relationships, contributing to a sense of belonging. The project highlights how thoughtful urban design can balance ecological consciousness with community well-being.

A Model for Future Urban Living

In conclusion, Andreasgarten Multigenerational Housing is a shining example of progressive urban development in Erfurt. By blending contemporary architectural principles with historical preservation, the project establishes a blueprint for inclusive, sustainable, and community-oriented living. As a symbol of innovation and environmental responsibility, Andreasgarten sets a new standard for multigenerational housing that nurtures connections between people, nature, and history.
All photographs are works of Philip Heckhausen