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PalladiumflatArchitect:
Johannes Kappler Architekten Client: Chr. Woningstichting Patrimonium Completion: 2006 Usable floor area: 25,885 SF In what ways does this project encourage inter-generational living? This project differs slightly from traditional sheltered housing schemes. The building is designed for users above 50 who previously lived in a detached house, and are looking for a new environment suited to their needs as they grow older. Each flat was intended to for the use of an older population; however the design is well suited for younger adults as well. How does this project demonstrate Universal Design or Barrier-Free living? Each flat is free of columns allowing the space to be flexible and adapt as the needs of the user change. All flats are designed for accessibility and are adaptable to the needs of residents with impaired mobility. What other amenity does the project feature that cater to the residents? The design aims to create a similar environment to that of suburban housing. Privacy and generous amounts of outdoor spaces were incorporated into the design to create a homey feeling for residents. Instead of balconies, each flat has a south-facing conservatory that can be closed off and a large glass frontage to the north that can be opened as desired. How does the layout of the building enhance the users experience? Johannes Kappler arranged the floor plan so that each floor is flipped from the previous plan. This can be seen in the alternating window pattern on the façade. Arranging the floor plans in this way made it possible to incorporate eight different types of flats. The ground floor contains a community center for the elderly serving the entire neighborhood as well as the administrative offices of a seniors’ organization. How does the site enhance the project? The building is situated on the site to allow each apartment equal amounts of natural day lighting. Each flat looks out to the city on the north and the tranquil community gardens to the south. What sustainable measures does this project employ? Large operable windows are incorporated into the design to allow for cross ventilation and an abundance of natural light. The building is constructed with local materials to keep the overall cost of construction to a minimum. Describe the interior, exterior, vertical and horizontal circulation. Two vertical circulation cores are established inside the building to allow users access to their flats via stairs or elevators. How do existing and created outdoor spaces enhance the design concept of the project? A large community garden was incorporated into the design to allow users access to nature. Each flat has views that look out into the surrounding context in an attempt to reconnect inhabitants with the city. What are the principal materials, assemblies, and structural system? The building’s stability is achieved via load-bearing external walls allowing each space to be unobstructed by structural columns. Describe the entry approach to the building. Users enter the building directly off of the street on level grade. This allows residents with impaired mobility easy access to the building. Works Cited Feddersen, Eckhard, and Insa Ludtke. A Design Manual: Living for the Elderly. 1st Ed. Basel, Switzerland: Birkhauser Verlag, 2011. 142-143. Print "Palladiumflat." Vaumm. N.p., 14 07 2011. Web. 15 Sep. 2013. .SÖNNECKEN, YEW. 2012. Photograph. Kappler Sedlak ArchitektenWeb. 15 Sep 2013. <http://www.kapplersedlak.de/Palladium/index.html>. |