As a clear commitment to social sustainability, a principle deeply embedded in Kreuztal’s housing policy, the diversity and mix of housing options offer something new. A multistory residential building (suitable for multigenerational living or subsidized housing) provides a study backbone for the neighborhood. Meanwhile, a green array of terraced townhouses with home offices, stacked terraced houses, and semi-detached houses fills out the landscape. An urban villa with apartments marks the southern entrance, while across from it, a small development of tiny homes arranged in garden courtyard fashion offers an exciting introduction to the Hofgärten Kreuztal. The orientation of apartments toward open residential courtyards, the neighborhood clubhouse, and the availability of urban gardening all foster the close intergenerational and neighborly connections the residents desire. All new buildings at Hofgärten Kreuztal are built as timber structures or timber hybrid constructions. This approach enables the creation of a model housing estate in timber construction with a wide variety of house types, achieved relatively quickly and cost-effectively.

By preserving and converting the historically significant industrial halls, we are saving embodied energy, known as gray energy, otherwise required to demolish and rebuild new structures. We are designing the new buildings using sustainable and energy-efficient timber construction, aiming for a characteristic overall appearance that blends tradition and modernity. The Bender Höfe will also be digitally connected through smart tech, forming a digital social community alongside the physical one to leverage synergies. The result will be an energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable neighborhood.