The development of the residential neighborhood south of the former “Ulmer Höh’” correctional facility in Düsseldorf-Derendorf was preceded by an architectural competition organized by the owners, the DORNIEDEN Group and the wvm Group. The goal of the process was to create new housing on the vacated land and, based on the existing urban planning concept, to develop diverse housing forms and typologies within a high-quality multi-story residential complex.
First place went to the architectural firm Damrau-Kusserow from Cologne. The expert jury unanimously decided that the urban design framework of the winning entry should serve as the basis for further development. In addition, the jury unanimously recommended that the two second-place firms from Cologne—3pass Architekten and Molestina Architekten—be considered for a single building module based on the first-place winner’s design. “This brings architectural diversity to the neighborhood,” emphasizes renowned architect Prof. Johannes Kister, who served as a voting member of the expert jury. A total of seven architectural firms were invited to participate in the competition and presented their designs.
Based on the winning design, a high-quality residential neighborhood was created, comprising six apartment buildings and a total of 195 residential units. The complex, developed by the DORNIEDEN Group and the wvm Group, combines different types of housing and integrates both subsidized and price-controlled housing, each accounting for 20 percent of the total.
The new development is complemented by two underground parking garages and a daycare center and is characterized by a clearly structured design of its open spaces. Generous green spaces and two play areas—one of which is integrated into the daycare center—create a variety of spaces for residents to relax and socialize.
A comprehensive range of bicycle and stroller parking spaces, along with the provision of parking in the underground garages, contributes to a largely car-free residential environment. The combination of high-quality open spaces, social infrastructure, and diverse housing options gives the neighborhood a high standard of urban design and residential quality.
