Residential building in Duisburg wins national façade award
2/5/2007
The GAGFAH GROUP's Duisburg residential buildings at Wallensteinstrasse 2 and Schreiberstrasse 35 - 39 won the 15th German Façade Award bestowed by the Brillux company. The properties, constructed in the 1950s at the Inner Harbor, prevailed over more than 300 other applicants from across Germany. The renowned architectural firm of Prof. Fritschi-Stahl-Baum from Düsseldorf had been modernizing the buildings and apartments until 2005. In the course of these measures, the properties also received a new façade.
The housing development is close to downtown Duisburg with a fairly convenient route to highway A 59 in the middle of a green environment. The GAGFAH GROUP has completely renovated and expanded 18 apartments in this high-demand residential area, which was developed in the early 1950s in the Inner Harbor area. The areas of the apartments range from 54 to 132 square meters.
All of the apartments have sunrooms in the front with windows extending to the ground. "They provide an unobstructed view of the outdoors," stresses Beate Hoth, Manager of the Essen region for the GAGFAH GROUP and thus in charge of leasing the Duisburg apartments. "At the same time, the new glass façade uses solar energy, considerably reducing heating costs." In addition, the façades were provided with thermal insulation, the windows and bathrooms were refurbished, while the outdoor facilities were reworked and a playground was added.
"With the modernization, we let ourselves be guided by the housing requirements of the different clientele groups. Apartments on the ground floor satisfy the standards for residences suitable for the elderly. By combining apartments to extend over two floors, we were also able to create an appealing property for families with children," states Beate Hoth.
But it was the façade that was the deciding factor in winning first prize. It is painted in a fresh and intense dark red and provides a visual counterpoint for the buildings, which were the beneficiaries of an unmistakable profile. In the opinion of the 15-member jury: "The color red in finely varying nuances is exceptionally effective at creating a sense of identity for the entire facility, and as a complement to the green of the park-like environment is simply captivating."
Beate Hoth: "We're very happy that we prevailed over such a broad field of competitors. This was thanks to the remarkable color concept in combination with the riveting architecture."
Foto: Brillux
About the GAGFAH GROUP
The GAGFAH GROUP, with its companies GAGFAH, WOBA DRESDEN, NILEG, and Acquisition 1, is focused on the core business of residential real estate with three business units, apartment purchasing, management, and sales. In total, the housing companies have a portfolio that currently includes 159,000 rental apartments distributed across 300 locations throughout Germany. In addition, the GAGFAH GROUP currently provides administrative services on behalf of third parties for 25,000 apartments.