The present housing development for the elderly, containing 35 dwellings, was erected by the German Caritas organization as an addition to the neighbouring St Joseph’s care home for senior citizens. In the new block, emphasis is placed on a concept of allowing elderly people to lead an independent life. At the same time, residents can use the facilities of the care home and take part in the events organized there.
The two buildings are situated on the southern edge of an urban street block on which other independent structures stand; for example, a church, the rectory, a day-care centre for children and a civic centre with a municipal library. In other words, the neighbourhood provides a diverse social environment.
In the middle of the street block is a park-like planted area intersected by semi-public paths. The site of the new structure was previously occupied by a nurses’ home and the former rectory. A conversion of the existing buildings to comply with the proposed new functions would have led to extensive constructional measures and compromises in terms of the specified housing quality. A decision was made, therefore, to demolish the old fabric.
The two buildings are situated on the southern edge of an urban street block on which other independent structures stand; for example, a church, the rectory, a day-care centre for children and a civic centre with a municipal library. In other words, the neighbourhood provides a diverse social environment.
In the middle of the street block is a park-like planted area intersected by semi-public paths. The site of the new structure was previously occupied by a nurses’ home and the former rectory. A conversion of the existing buildings to comply with the proposed new functions would have led to extensive constructional measures and compromises in terms of the specified housing quality. A decision was made, therefore, to demolish the old fabric.