While adding two new timber buildings in the surrounding streets, the proposal spares a third possible building and provides for a new public square in the heart of the development instead.

Between the 1890’s and the 1980’s (the decade when production was shut down), the textile factory Heinzelmann was an important part of Reutlingen, both as an employer and through its position in the heart of the “Oststadt”, the city’s major extension following the Industrial revolution. The competition brief specified the need for a new functional program and a clear architectural strategy through both repurposing existing structures and building anew.

The project includes homes of different sizes, price ranges and for all phases of life, with varied street-level amenities that will breathe life into the public areas, both during the day and in the evenings.

A sustainable development – socially and ecologically

Marked as cultural heritage, the existing buildings that origin from between 1890 and 1950, will be transformed and completed by two new buildings in wood, bringing the project one step closer to CO2 neutrality. The roofs of the two residential buildings will be equipped with solar cells and an urban garden that will be open to all and foster biodiversity.

A garage, with its own access ramp and accommodating 150 bicycle spots (i.e. two per household), is planned – as is a ‘Biergarten’, replacing an existing car park.

Construction is expected to start in 2021.

White’s second project in Germany

White has been expanding outside of Scandinavia with an office in the United Kingdom since 2015 and several ongoing projects in Germany, Canada and East Africa.