Werftterrassen, Kiel

Werftterrassen

Living by the fjord.

Location

Kiel
Project

Development of an urban planning concept. Subsequent development of a building design. Both for part of the Gaarden district in Kiel.
Procedure

Anonymous, closed, two-phase urban planning and construction competition
Awarding authority

Tom Kyle Quartier GmbH
Architect of record

Caspar Schmitz-Morkramer
Sustainability and technical building equipment

Werner Sobek AG
Planning period

2023–2024

In an area of Kiel’s Gaarden district that was previously inaccessible, a new neighbourhood with a maritime history and forward-looking aspirations is being created: the Werftterrassen. This diverse living environment will accommodate around 3,000 people and combines topography, architecture and mobility to create a vibrant community.

Urban development concept

The Werftterrassen are located on a site with striking incisions that date back to the industrial past of the former Germaniawerft shipyard. Our design aimed to carefully model the existing topography while avoiding the creation of barriers. A public green space and path will be created from the central neighbourhood square to Pastor-Gosch-Weg, complete with play and sports areas, a kiosk and toilet facilities. Terraces will open up views of the Hörn and the fjord.
The design is characterised by address formation, unsealing, networking and sustainable mobility, as well as a diverse mix of residential typologies ranging from subsidised housing and family apartments to cluster and student apartments.

A uniform design canon ensures identity and recognition. This canon defines the building volume, façade structure and materials for all construction sites, referencing the red brick that characterises the surrounding area and is used in a variety of ways. Changing roof shapes with extensive greenery increase the retention volume, promote biodiversity and provide communal roof terraces. Photovoltaic systems complement the energy concept.

Architectural design

During the second phase of the competition, the individual construction sites were defined in architectural terms as standalone buildings with their own character that were integrated into the wider urban development concept.

Construction site Blue A

Blue A creates a distinct edge to the Karstal and Werftterrasse area. A spacious inner courtyard containing play and recreation areas creates a family-friendly living environment. Z-shaped floor plans without corridors offer flexible living arrangements, from lofts to assisted living, and flowing room sequences. The commercial spaces on the ground floor can be used as neighbourhood rooms or restaurants. The sustainable foundation is formed by wood hybrid construction, recycled clinker bricks, a PV system, a retention roof, ice storage and rainwater utilisation.

Construction site Red B

Red B forms a striking perimeter, but opens up deliberately to the village green. Its diverse floor plans, double-height rooms and assisted living facilities cater to a variety of target groups. Common rooms, rentable studios and additional amenities, such as guest apartments, promote interaction and flexibility. Ecological quality is ensured here, too, by hybrid construction, recycled clinker bricks, a PV system and green roofs.

Construction site Green C

Green C is designed to complement existing buildings and create a communal garden courtyard. The ground floor’s barrier-free apartments are designed for age-appropriate living, while remaining flexible in use. Two commercial units offer space for restaurants, care facilities, or neighbourhood services. Facade nesting boxes, native plants, rainwater harvesting and an intensively greened PV retention roof bring nature and the city together.

Sustainability & Mobility

The Werftterrassen form part of the ‘15-minute city’ concept, with everyday amenities, educational facilities, leisure amenities and public transport all being quickly and easily accessible on foot or by bike. A dense network of paths connects the neighbourhood to the surrounding area.
The use of motorised private transport is reduced through car sharing, e-charging stations and central or site-specific underground car parks. Short distances, good public transport connections and new tram lines encourage environmentally friendly travel.

caspar.team

Architect of record

Caspar Schmitz-Morkramer

→

Project management design
Stephan Wieland

Project team design
Sara Ipakchi
Sarah Dann
Waleed Elrakaiby
Julian Kraemer
Paula Beham