Sustainable living space for Wuppertal.
We propose to extend Café Ada with residential and public areas. The building shall not only promote community aspects inside the house but also enrich the Mirker Quartier.
Our concept follows the motto: Minimal Impact – Maximum Output. We only want to intervene minimally, but create maximum benefit to the community.
The key aspects of our building
Building Concept
17 modules are put together to create 13 apartments for residents of all age groups as well as community space for everybody. People can come together on the roof terrace and plant their own vegetables. The whole structure is wrapped in a climate shell that adapts to the weather and generates energy from solar radiation.
| additional floors | 3 floors + roof terrace |
| apartments | 13 apartments |
| size / apartment | 21.5m² – 73m² / apartment |
| residents | up to 29 people |
Apartments
Our structure of Café Ada consists of 13 apartments for 29 residents. There are four different apartments: student apartments, double apartments, maisonette apartments and family apartments. All apartments have a balcony with either north, south or west view. A small kitchen and a laundry room are common areas. Besides, each floor has a storage room. Every floor can be reached with an elevator.
| size | rooms | balcony | |
| 3 × Student Apartment | 21.5m² | 1 | 1 |
| 6 × Double Apartment | 36.5m² | 2 | 1 |
| 2 × Family Apartment | 73.0m² | 3 | 1 |
| 2 × Maisonette | 73.0m² | 2 | 2 |
Climate Shell
The entire structure is surrounded by a climate shell consisting of horizontal slats. The house is ventilated with fresh air through the slats. In addition, each slat is fitted with photovoltaic cells and thus generates sustainable energy from solar radiation.
The slats of the climate shell are movable and can be managed:
- The slats can move with the position of the sun.
- The slats can prescribe the interior airtight.
- The slats can be adjusted if there is a need for fresh air.
Roof Terrace
The roof terrace is the village square of the house. This is where the residents come together. There are common areas with leisure activities as well as large beds for fresh vegetables. The benches integrated into the flowerbeds provide a green place to linger. Table tennis tables and fitness equipment invite inhabitants to exercise.
The roof terrace can be used through all seasons. On cold days, the climate shell closes and the terrace becomes a winter garden.
Urban Gardening
Plants are to be found all over the house. They clean the air and improve the climate within the climate shell. Residents can plant their own plants and harvest fresh vegetables. The fire wall is greened as well.
Rainwater harvesting
The roof is shaped specifically in order to collect rainwater and store it in a cistern. Excess water flows into the natural pond.
Open Space Planning
Next to Café Ada is the Areal Ada: an open space that is currently used inefficiently. For the benefit of the vibrant Mirke district, we propose to create a quiet space for recreation and leisure.
Our mobility hub on the main road contains a wide range of vehicles for use by residents and, in some cases, the public. The arcades offer a bicycle workshop, movable flower beds and playground equipment. The courtyard has hammocks, a space for markets and cultural events, and a climbing wall.
A new bus stop next to Café Ada will connect people to the city. Froweinstraße on the west side of Café Ada can be temporarily divided into two closed-off zones, e.g. as a playground or for street parties.