Residential and Commercial Building R7 | Stefan Forster

The new residential and commercial building by Stefan Forster Architekten - originally resulted from a competition - is located in the northeastern city centre of Mannheim in the square “R7”. The house is a mediating link between the different epochs of the context.
The two staggered volume thematize the curved road and the connection between the other edge of the block and the high-rise building from the 50s. A clear differentiation between private space, sidewalk and street is created by a garden wall made of brick. The concentration of the perimeter block in combination with the individualization by a subtle structured facade that refers to the language of Mannheims architectural tradition of the big blocks, provides a high quality completion of open space adjacent to the “Lamey” garden. Light-coloured ledges emphasize the horizontal design of the building and provide a harmonious contrast to the brown brick. Finely profiled ribbon facade, deep-drawn parapets, accentuated reveals and deep roof cuts give the building a cautious plasticity.
The courtyard facade with its continuous balconies opens onto the park. The business premises for the client “Spar- und Bauverein” are located in the ground floor. In the upper floors 34 barrier-free spacious apartments with generous balconies are accessed via two stairwells.
The desired sustainability is achieved through the realization of a KfW Efficiency House 40, as well as the traditional brick-qualities, such as stable value, durability and no need for maintenance.