New construction and conversion of a housing estate
(Schleswig-Holstein)
Source: Weeber+Partner
The town Büdelsdorf (pop. approx. 10,000) is in a rural region of Schleswig-Holstein. The neighbourhood in Akazienstraße is characterised by detached and multi-family houses in row construction from the 1930s and 1950s. The building cooperative Mittelholstein is the owner of 350 flats here and is one of the most important stakeholders for renting living space and also acts as an on-site developer.
Already at the end of the 1980s, many elderly people lived there in flats that were not suitable for elderly people.
The existing building stock and the conversion of garden areas to building plots, however, offered the possibility of creating adequate living space for them. The area's location was also especially suitable because of its proximity to shops and services.
The project was funded and evaluated between 1989 and 1992 as a model plan in the research project "Ältere Menschen und ihr Wohnquartier" (Elderly People and their Neighbourhood) in the federal research programme "Experimenteller Wohnungs- und Städtebau" (Experimental Residential and Urban Development) - ExWoSt.
Source: Weeber+Partner
In Akazienstraße, a block consisting of three houses (built in 1955) was converted into flats suitable for elderly people. This consisted of 31 two-room flats (size 39 to 48 sqm). They all have a balcony or a loggia. A lift was installed in the buildings. Despite the conversion measures which were especially carried out for elderly people, the flats do not conform wholly to the DIN standards which would class them as barrier-free. Now, all flats have their own bathroom, but not showers that are accessible for the disabled. In addition to this, the living environment was redesigned, e.g. path connections without steps, benches and lighting were erected or installed. During the conversion, the tenants had the possibility of moving into a different flat, either temporarily or permanently.
A further 24 flats were built new as terraced houses. The single-storey buildings with a small garden in front of and behind the house give the impression that a lot of space and privacy are available in limited space. These flats in particular are very popular with elderly people. There is a long waiting list for them. Before, during and after the conversion measures there was a central contact person who provided information on the projects.
The project approach combines architectural and social measures.
The 55 flats for elderly people offer so-called "Living with Services". When moving in, besides the rental contract, a services contract is concluded with the Workers' Welfare Association. This includes a 24-hour emergency system. Mobile services offering care, domestic support and social services as needed are located in a social services centre in the neighbourhood. This is in a new building built in 2001 right next to the flats for the elderly people. It offers counselling, leisure and meeting facilities. These are offered and coordinated by a qualified employee of the Workers' Welfare Association. The services address the whole community. Because of the close proximity, many users come from the neighbourhood.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1989 to 1992 | Model plan as part of the Experimental Residential and Urban Development, in the research project "Elderly People and their Neighbourhood" |
| 1989 to 1991 | Survey of experts and residents |
| 1992 | Counselling regarding the adaptation of the living space |
| 1992 | Completion of the flats suitable for elderly people from the existing stock |
| 1993 | Terraced houses are moved into |
| 1993 | Setting up a welfare centre in former shops |
| 2001 | The new service centre is moved into |
Source: Weeber+Partner
Source: Weeber+Partner
Source: Weeber+Partner
Thanks to the close cooperation between the cooperative and the Workers' Welfare Association and the town, it was possible to implement "Living with Services" in the neighbourhood. This makes it possible for elderly people to live in familiar surroundings in their own flat for as long as possible, and to access support and care services if necessary. The elderly people have assistance in case of emergencies and can maintain their social contacts in the neighbourhood.
The building cooperative has even copied the terraced house model in other locations. Single-storey flats with the same layout are planned for another location.
The projekt site ist to be found at postal code: 24782 - town: Büdelsdorf - street: Akazienstraße 2, 4, 6.
Record inserted on 27.11.2007 by the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) within the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR).
Last update: 12.08.2008
