CLIMATE QUARTER IN KRONBERG
Like seven stones in the river
Location: Kronberg in the Taunus
Client: City of Kronberg — Town planning office
Competition: Competition for realisation — Honorable mention
Year: 2025
Area: 9.850 m²
Architecture: STUDIO MARS, Berlin
Cooperation: Małgorzata Zmysłowska (drawings)
URBAN DESIGN CONCEPT
Like the stones in the river, the planned buildings are located in an urban ecological corridor. The topographical landform is based on three terraces that slope down towards the south-east. On these terraces, the open development blends seamlessly into the landscape of the urban ecological corridor.
The development consists of seven buildings divided into two building plots, with the Winkelbach stream running through the middle of the meadows. The two plots form complexes of three and four buildings respectively, which are grouped around a common, attractively landscaped inner courtyard.
OPEN SPACE AND ADAPTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
The open space concept provides for diverse typologies, from public to private. The public green corridor in the south forms the backbone of the district. It connects Viktoriapark and the Casals Forum district with the open landscape to the east of the city. At the heart of the district, it is complemented by the central meadows of the Winkelbach, and to the east by the café terraces at the mobility centre. The communal courtyards with the entrance zones of the houses are bordered by a green corridor. More intimate entrance zones extend between the two neighbouring buildings on the south side. Private open spaces in the form of terraces on the ground floor, loggias of the upper storeys and roof terraces complete the typological variety of open spaces.
The open urban layout contributes to the preservation and creation of new fresh air corridors and small aeration runs.
Rainwater accumulating on the grounds and on the roofs of the buildings is managed according to the ‘sponge city’ principle. Rainwater retention therefore already takes place on green roofs. Rainwater retention on the roof provides protection against flooding in the surrounding area.
Excess rainwater is discharged into the surrounding areas and, in the event of heavy rainfall, is channelled through several central points via absorption wells for harmless infiltration into the Teenie with contaminated soils. The only exception is the underground car park area, where surface retention takes place. Excess water is collected in cisterns and used to irrigate the gardens.
NATURE CONSERVATION AND BIODIVERSITY
The creation of the two landscape terraces is intended to increase the diversity of the area by means of variously exposed embankments and slopes and to protect the topography in order to minimise construction costs. From very dry (embankments, embankment walls) to wet areas of the Winkelbach stream, a very high biodiversity of flora and fauna can be created. Potentially natural vegetation is supplemented by planting native ‘trees of the future’.
From the secured private open space (roof terrace, loggia, outdoor seating area), neighbourhood entrance areas, communal courtyards and public spaces offer options for social participation at all levels of urban society.
Pedestrians and cyclists are on the move in the neighbourhood, while extensive sharing services or private cars in the Mobility Hub and the neighbourhood’s underground car park are available close to where people live.
The diversity of the existing sites (embankment, tree cover) is complemented by numerous other habitats (embankments, stone walls, wetlands, etc.) that support a rich flora and fauna.
All possibilities are used to optimise the influencing factors of radiation, wind and water on horizontal surfaces, vertical surfaces, vegetation and furnishings in terms of climate-friendly construction.
