November 2016 / Further information about publication:
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Friederike-Fliedner-Haus, Kamp-Lintfort, Germany
Into the public sphere with its sweeping form and transparency
Introducing plenty of daylight and transparency into the building was a fundamental conceptual concern for Druschke und Grosser Architektur. As the winner of the architectural design competition, the Duisburg architectural practice designed the extension to a care facility in Kamp-Lintfort with great sensitivity to the needs of the residents, visitors and employees. The cafe on the ground floor, the central lounge areas with a view of the residential floors and the outdoor terraces offer attractive opportunities for communication in a bright, open atmosphere. Ample window units from the Schüco Corona CT 70 system family and a spectacular glass link as a connection between the existing building and the extension (Schüco FW 50+ façade system) are important elements in terms of design and function and have been used to create a friendly environment.
The buildings in the centre of Kamp-Lintfort are characterised by high-quality brick architecture from the 1920s. The Christuskirche church and the Friedrich Heinrich coal mine are the most prominent buildings within the immediate proximity of the care facility. A stylistic approximation to brickwork and render – traditional building materials in the architecture of Kamp-Lintfort – therefore seemed natural and was also desired by the clients. Especially since the extension of the care facility occupies a significant role in terms of urban development due to its exposed location at the intersection of Friedrich-Heinrich-Allee and Ringstraße close to the town centre.
Creative interpretation of the plot shape
The architects saw the requirement for integration into the surroundings and the necessary coordination with the existing building as a challenge to nonetheless present the newbuild as an individual creation. The architects solved the problem of implementing the specified space allocation plan on this very tight plot of land by allowing the residential floors to overhang. Likewise, they made full use of the triangular plot by rounding the shape of the building. The cantilevered upper floors with 36 single rooms and lounge areas for the residents give the building an identity that can be seen from the outside and experienced on the inside.
Democratically-developed detailed solutions
Besides the specific requirements for the spatial concept, which Druschke and Grosser developed together with the client and the building operator Palaios, the ideas of the Head of Nursing at the facility and the nursing staff were also incorporated. Thus a coherent overall concept, including the selection of materials and colours for the interior design as well as the choice of furnishings, was developed in a cooperative fashion. As far as the external appearance of the extension is concerned, the architects also coordinated with the design committee employed by the town of Kamp-Lintfort. According to architect Bibiana Grosser, the process was complex but constructive and “led to good and ultimately convincing solutions for all parties by way of many a creative compromise”.
Layout guided by the “three world model”
In its structure and division of space, the building concept incorporates the different levels of care required by dementia patients as described in the Swiss “three world model”. These new and accepted models of care divide the stages of the disease, which all dementia patients experience, into three worlds. The architectural and organisational consideration given to this graduation enables the specific needs of the residents to be addressed on a far more individual basis than is possible if all of the stages are treated in the same way. In terms of space, this individualisation can be seen in the variable room configuration, for example, which allows for residential groups for patients in the first world and individual rooms for residents in the advanced stage of the illness (second world). Purely palliative treatment for residents in the third world, who are confined to bed, was integrated into the spatial concept for the first two worlds.
Managing Director Ralph Simon and Head of Nursing Barbara Maslewski are convinced of the benefits of the spatial implementation of the model for patients and nursing personnel: “We find that there is both increased acceptance of the thoughtfully designed rooms and greater acceptance of each other among the residents. The individualised environment has a noticeable effect in creating increased well-being and a generally quieter, peaceful atmosphere, which significantly increases the quality of care.”
Large windows for views into and out of the building
An abundance of natural light and shared lounge areas which allow views into and out of the building contribute to the well-being of the residents of Friederike-Fliedner-Haus. In addition to the large cafe on the ground floor, the shared dining and lounge area for residents and visitors, the “display window” on all three residential floors is particularly popular. Due to the large window units which enclose the spandrel area, both areas enable views of the busy urban crossroads and represent a connection between the inside and the outside world.
The entire façade was implemented using ample, almost floor-to-ceiling units from the Schüco Corona CT 70 PVC-U window system. The foiling of the outer profile face widths in a timber look represents a special feature. For the glazing, a triple insulating glass composition was chosen which optimises sound reduction, thermal insulation and solar shading all at once. It was possible to compensate for dispensing with cross bars in the spandrel area using forward-mounted TSG spandrels for the safety barrier in accordance with the German regulations for the use of safety barrier glazing (TRAV).
Glass façade for the connecting segment
The link between the existing and new buildings was realised with a particularly elegant and transparent look. Here a glass connecting segment on four levels forms a stylistically neutral element between the architectural styles of the two buildings and enables views of the adjoining façades on both sides thanks to the continuous glazing. The glass link was implemented using the Schüco FW 50+ façade system, which shows its broad compatibility with other Schüco systems by combining with the Schüco AWS 75 insert units that can be opened for ventilation purposes. Furthermore, it was possible to attach the façade system and the EI30 fire protection barriers at the stairwell access doors (Schüco ADS 80 FR30) with no visible seam.
Schüco – System solutions for windows, doors and façades
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Project details
Project title: Friederike-Fliedner-Haus, Kamp-Lintfort, Germany
Client: Palaios gGmbH, Kamp-Lintfort, Germany
Competition: 2011, first prize
Architects: Druschke und Grosser Architektur, Duisburg, Germany
Project management: Frank Meuleneers and Salomé Wiesenberg
System fabricators:
Oliva GmbH Fenster + Türen, Marl, Germany (PVC-U windows for the main façade)
Metallbau Schilloh, Goch, Germany (façade for the glass link)
Metall- und Stahlbau Bauelemente Peters, Goch, Germany (fire protection barriers)
Completion: 2016
Schüco products
For the façade: Schüco Corona CT 70 PVC-U windows
For the glass link: Schüco FW 50+ façade system with Schüco AWS 75 insert units
EI30 fire protection barriers at the transitions between the new and existing buildings as well as at the stairwell access points: Schüco ADS 80 FR30
Picture credits: Schüco International KG
Creative interpretation of the triangular building plot: street view and entrance area of Friederike-Fliedner-Haus in Kamp-Lintfort.
The three upper floors of the boomerang-shaped building structure protrude into the public space. The ribbon windows provide a contrast to the light façade and emphasise the horizontal extension of the building.
Large PVC-U system windows from the Schüco Corona CT 70 series with timber-look exterior foiling provide improved sound reduction, thermal insulation and solar shading in combination with triple insulating glass.
From the ground floor to the third floor, the existing building (left) and the newbuild are connected to one another by a glass link (Schüco FW 50+ façade system with Schüco AWS 75 insert units).
The access doors to the glass link connecting the existing building and the newbuild are safeguarded with EI30 fire protection barriers from the Schüco ADS 80 FR30 system.
The cafe on the ground floor is a central communication space. Large window systems ensure a high degree of light penetration and offer views of the busy town centre.
Picture credits: Druschke und Grosser Architektur
Floor plan of the ground floor
Floor plan of the first floor
Section detail B-B
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