Homeless shelter Lotte Branz

In contrast to the monotony of standard container constructions, this refuge was designed with exceptional care and attention to detail. The underlying intention is to provide people in extreme need not only with emergency assistance, but also with a ‘temporary home’. The façade made of red painted timber frame elements above a robust base of concrete sandwich elements gives horizontal and vertical structure to the large volume. An urban building came into being. Located in a currently commercial area, it might also serve as an initial element for a planned, mixed-use neighbourhood.

The new building offers 730 places. Those seeking shelter are no longer accommodated in rooms with eight to twelve people but rather in rooms with four beds. What’s more, the facility’s purpose has evolved from merely providing overnight accommodation to offering comprehensive support, including dedicated spaces for counselling, medical treatment, and a daytime gathering area. To minimise conflict, separate areas are provided for different groups. At the same time, a certain degree of openness between spaces is essential. The spatial layout, based on these functional requirements, draws typological inspiration from Theodor Fischer’s historic “Ledigenheim”. Individual "building fingers" are staggered and connected only at the corners. This floor plan introduces an additional, critical quality—particularly given the uninviting location of the building amidst wholesale markets, warehouses, and parking areas: the inclusion of attractive courtyards that create additional, sheltered spaces.

For reasons of cost and time efficiency, a modular construction approach was ideal. Above a sturdy base made of precast concrete elements, the upper façade is constructed from prefabricated timber frame elements. The decorative coverings beneath the parapet conceal horizontal surfaces which would otherwise be at risk from moisture. Highly insulated façades, external sun protection and heat recovery enable energy-efficient building operation well below the legally required values. The interior features materials such as wood, linoleum, polished screed, and ceramic tiles—were chosen for their durability yet ability to create an inviting atmosphere. While renewable raw materials with their very low carbon foodprint play an important role in the façade and interior finishes, the structure consists of a precast concrete skeleton. This construction allows for straightforward dismantling, reconfiguration, and expansion, providing flexibility to adapt to potential future scenarios.