The wvm Group is delighted to receive a special honor: its residential quarter on Herler Strasse in Cologne-Buchheim has been awarded the prestigious "Exemplary Buildings NRW 2025" award. The award is presented every five years by the Ministry for Regional Identity, Communities, Building, and Digitalization of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in conjunction with the Chamber of Architects of North Rhine-Westphalia and is one of the most prestigious architecture awards in the state.
The architectural concept by 3pass Architekten has created a lively and independent neighborhood consisting of six buildings with 237 apartments and a five-classroom daycare center, which blends in perfectly with its surroundings and enriches the Buchheim district.
In its statement, the jury praised the project as "an exemplary piece of urban development" that combines architectural quality, functional diversity, and ecological responsibility in an outstanding way. The ensemble impresses with its clear, compact architectural language with individual accents, a balanced mix of apartments, and a well-thought-out open space concept that promotes interaction and neighborliness.
The sustainable overall concept of the neighborhood was also highlighted: extensive green roofs, a biogas-based combined heat and power plant, green spaces, and environmentally friendly mobility options actively contribute to promoting biodiversity and climate adaptation.
"The residential neighborhood on Herler Strasse has succeeded in creating real added value for residents, the neighborhood, and the entire Buchheim district," emphasized the jury.
Architecture: 3pass Kusch Mayerle BDA Architekten Stadtplaner Part mbB, Cologne
Landscape architecture: Förder Landschaftsarchitekten GmbH, Essen
Client: Herler Straße 111 c/o wvm Immobilien- + Projektentwicklung GmbH
