Butenstadt Competition

The urban planning concept

The three plots of land have an interesting urban location, but their layout is limited due to the new routes. Plot 3 in particular offers an unobstructed view of the foothills of the city park, but also has restrictions due to its size and development.

An important decision factor for the district was the definition of the lowest common denominator so that it could then be placed on all three plots of land. In recent years and decades, contiguous larger units have been created in the inner city area, which have provided added value for the city of Borken. For the new suburb, a structure on a smaller scale was important to us. In order to pay tribute to the old town mill, the units were to be designed with the classic Westphalian gable in its modern interpretation.

The resulting ensemble of seven narrow, 3 ½ storey gabled houses fits harmoniously into the surrounding urban development. Through the interplay of gabled and eaves facades, the buildings communicate with each other, with the distinctive glass gable opening up a view of the city park or historic city center.

The buildings have a high level of elegance in their proportions — the units are only 7 m wide. The combination of uniform basic structures offers various uses within the planning process — from classic apartments to maisonettes, from small shops to sophisticated restaurants.

Each opinion has its own strength. The gables flanking the Aa side are transparent and provide spacious roof terraces to enjoy a unique view of the city center and the park.

The gable is flanked by a two-row design of intensely greened plant elements, which are inserted into the façade in a visually high-quality manner to ensure a uniform and uniform look. This gives this façade area a more horizontal orientation.

Between the buildings, there are urban facades, with spacious shop windows on the ground floor and the classic perforated façade on the upper floor. The uniform choice of materials underlines the clarity of the geometry of the selected gable without being too monotonous.

In order to do justice to the idea of the ensemble and not just to create the impression of three buildings of equal value, the exterior design of the surrounding area is crucial.

Car traffic is slowed down by the shadows cast by the buildings, and the space is also perceptible to car users. Changes in materials combined with clear lines and uniform street furniture help to calm down.

When planning the outdoor areas, emphasis was placed on offering visitors tours and avoiding dead ends. This creates a flow around the buildings and creates a soft path between the city center and the city park.

Embedded in the very attractive and uplifting planning of the surrounding waterfront promenades, the article offers the last piece of the puzzle to lead Borken into an exciting future that invites visitors to linger through attractive experiential architecture, high-quality square design, excellent gastronomy and exclusive and innovative shops.