New construction of a sustainable residential building — Quarter Hangweide, Kernen, Germany — 1,956 m² — Community Kernen — 01/2026
Sustainable living space in timber construction: Efficient, social and forward-looking
An apartment block currently under construction in Kernen combines sustainable construction with social housing. The building comprises 34 residential units ranging from one to five-room flats, including eight barrier-free units. The planning envisages compact floor plans that enable serial prefabrication. Wood is consistently used as the main building material. This made it possible to achieve a residential concept that is ecologically and economically convincing and offers a high level of quality.
The façade with pre-greyed spruce cladding in horizontal and vertical designs blends harmoniously into the surroundings: The exterior walls consist of cross-laminated timber elements that are industrially prefabricated and assembled on site. The visible timber surface in the interior ensures a healthy indoor climate, while the ceilings made of prefabricated prestressed concrete hollow planks allow for flexible interior design. The system staircase is made of prefabricated concrete elements, which further optimises the construction time. In addition to the urban integration, the focus is on energy efficiency: the building fulfils the KfW 40 standard and is equipped with an extensive green roof and a PV system.
Maximum solar energy utilisation and modular construction methods
The aim of the design is to maximise the use of passive and active solar energy and to create a space-saving energy infrastructure. The elemental construction method creates a compact building structure. A high supply of daylight ensures a pleasant living environment while minimising thermal losses. Solid components made of wood and reinforced concrete serve as thermal storage mass and support the sustainable energy concept. As an IBA project, it sets an example for resource-conserving residential construction and shows how modular construction methods can solve the challenges of modern living.
