Apartments at the Nordpark Magdeburg
An architectural showpiece that took 71 years to materialise
The apartment complex ‘Wohnhaus am Nordpark’ is the result of a unique – and definitely drawn-out – chain of events. It originates in the late 19th century and took a dramatic turn on January 16th, 1945, during one of the most devastating bombing raid of World War II. Within hours, the magnificent department store that stood there, a typically ornate building in the imperial style, was destroyed to the ground. The resulting ‘war gap’ in the cityscape, right in the centre of Magdeburg’s Old New Town, would stay vacant for no less than seven decades.
It wasn’t until 2015 that Frank Rückriem, the CEO of Stadtfelder Wohnungs- baugenossenschaft (WBG) – a local, membership-based property developer – made a long overdue decision: “We will fill the gap with a modern apartment building designed to emphasise the round shape of the Pfälzer Platz”.
The project was ambitious and provided an ideal opportunity to showcase the locally available expertise: arc architekturconzept, a Magdeburg-based, award- winning architectural firm, developed the concept while a local specialist, whose know-how is in high demand all over Germany, was put in charge of installing the one-of-a-kind ventilated façade.
“The specific situation is always our starting point”, explains Sandra Oheim, the principal at the Magdeburg office of arc architekturconzept. “We strive for excellence and for us, no two buildings are alike, because, quite simply, they shouldn’t be. That’s why we favour concepts that are both stringent and out of the ordinary. She brings it to the point: “Ready-made is not part of our vocabulary. We are working on all kinds of projects in a variety of situations, and we certainly do not spurn a synergistic approach. But originality has always to be front and centre. This is what our clients expect from us – and it certainly applies to the Wohnhaus am Nordpark”.
WBG was keen to keep the new apartments affordable, but at the same time intent on supplying highly functional, upscale living space to the company’s members. In addition, as a replacement for the iconic building of yore, the new ‘Wohnhaus’ had to be a showpiece in its own right – a significant, contemporary contribution to Magdeburg’s cityscape that would, at the same time, epitomise the company’s own commitment to excellence.
Sandra Oheim points out: “We decided to play with three materials. More would have been too much. We combined white render, glass and HPL (High Pressure Laminate) façade panels. At the same time, we made the most of the interaction between the curved shape of the building itself and the unusual configuration of the main façade: it alternates protruding ‘boxes’ with recessed loggias. The result is a markedly tridimensional façade, made all the more striking by the material combination”. She underscores: “Each apartment includes a loggia, and most units feature one of those 3D boxes. For maximum visual impact, the boxes have been clad with Trespa® Meteon® panels in a vibrant hue”.
Ideally suited for the project: the Trespa® façade panels
For the architect, the Trespa® panels came with a highly specific, and ultimately decisive advantage – the material’s inherent flexibility. “Depending on the context, fibre cement panels are an alternative worth considering, but this wasn’t an option here. The façade facing the Pfälzer Platz is shaped like a ship’s prow, and the material had to follow the smooth the curve of the hull, so to speak. There was no way to achieve such an effect with a stiff material like fibre cement”.
The design combines two Trespa® Meteon® colours. The boxes and loggias are clad with panels in ‘English Cherry’ – a striking, reddish brown wood decor that highlights the 3D structure. They are complemented by panels in a neutral shade of dark grey: used on both sides of the openings, where they blend with the windowpanes, they help create a contrasting, horizontal pattern. Sandra Oheim explains: “We regularly use Trespa® products, and for a simple reason: the material is convincing. Trespa manufactures HPL façade panels that are highly durable and durably beautiful. In addition, the choice of decors and the tactile quality of the finish are outstanding. In this respect, I will share with you a rather entertaining anecdote. As the project was nearing completion, things were getting tense, as they often do on building sites, and we were all eager to cross the finish line, when all of a sudden, quite a few Meteon® panels went missing. There was only one possible explanation: we were not the only ones who had a strong liking for the material! Luckily enough, these unexpected Trespa aficionados did not cause too much of a disruption, as Trespa was able to supply replacement panels very quickly”.
We regularly use Trespa® products, and for a simple reason: the material is convincing. Trespa manufactures HPL façade panels that are highly durable and durably beautiful. In addition, the choice of decors and the tactile quality of the finish are outstanding.” Sandra Oheim, arc architekturconzept
Jan Zenthöfer sums up: “The project was exciting and successful – which made it really satisfying despite its complexity. In addition, Trespa® panels are a beautiful building material – and an extremely enduring one that will stay pristine for a long time. The impact resistance of the panels is equally impressive. Although this was not a real issue here, when dealing with a school project, for example, it is essential. Depending on the context, we sometimes use bonded aluminium panels. But a good punch is all it takes to dent them. Try to do this with a Trespa® panel – you’ll just hurt yourself! At WF Bau, by the way, we are about to get involved in a new, rather crazy project with Trespa. But this is all I can tell you for now”.
Trespa® panels are a beautiful building material – and an extremely enduring one that will stay pristine for a long time. The impact resistance of the panels is equally impressive.” Jan Zenthöfer, WF Bau
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