The wvm Group is delighted to have received a special honor: its residential complex on Herler Straße in Cologne-Buchheim has been awarded the prestigious “Exemplary Buildings NRW 2025” prize. The award is presented every five years by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Local Government, Construction, and Digitalization of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in collaboration with the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Architects and is considered one of the state’s most prestigious architectural awards.
The architectural concept by 3pass Architekten creates a vibrant and self-contained neighborhood consisting of six buildings with 237 apartments and a five-classroom daycare center, which blends seamlessly into 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 environmental responsibility in an outstanding manner. The complex impresses with a clear, compact architectural language featuring distinctive accents, a balanced mix of housing types, and a well-thought-out open-space concept that fosters social interaction and a sense of community.
The neighborhood’s sustainable overall concept was also highlighted: extensive green roofs, a biogas-powered combined heat and power plant, green spaces, and environmentally friendly mobility options actively contribute to promoting biodiversity and climate adaptation.
“With the residential neighborhood on Herler Straße, we have succeeded in creating genuine added value for the residents, the neighborhood, and the entire Buchheim district,” the jury emphasized.
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