Riehler Strasse

In the north of Cologne’s city centre, within sight of Cologne Cathedral, the former campus of an insurance group is being transformed into a mixed-use quarter with 12 townhouses. Despite structural unity, a wide range of housing topologies is to be created. Therefore, the large block of houses was divided into 12 individual house units, the design of which was commissioned to three architectural firms.

Each of the 12 houses becomes visible as an independent building block through its colour, its geometry and the building material used. In this way, an urban planning principle of Cologne is taken up and continued. Different buildings in Cologne have different atmospheres. Buildings from different eras stand alongside one another. With their design diversity, the 12 new townhouses become an integral part of the city of Cologne as a seamless continuation of the city.

The four houses by O&O Baukunst follow a uniform building principle. A geometric grid is the structural system. The four houses form a recognisable ensemble of houses with architectural references to the urban context.