Dusseldorf takes action: €85 million green building initiative fills the Elisabethstraße gap, courtesy of SWD
Düsseldorf's Municipal Housing Company (SWD) is set to complete a significant new residential project by autumn 2028. The project, named 'Urban Jungle', will provide housing for 450 people, including students, apprentices, and those with low incomes.
The residential quarter, located at the corner of Elisabeth and Bach Streets, is a milestone in SWD's commitment to new residential construction. The project will consist of 190 apartments, catering to various family sizes, with 35 apartments in group housing, 73 two-room, 57 three-room, 24 four-room, and one five-room apartment.
The project's construction costs initially involved a consortium of three companies. However, due to rising costs and two partners withdrawing, SWD had to finance the project alone. The site, previously used as an operational and material site during the construction of the Wehrhahn line, will now be transformed into a vibrant residential community.
Climate protection is a priority for the 'Urban Jungle' project. The building will be connected to the city's district heating network, contributing positively to its climate balance. The project also incorporates several climate protection measures, such as green facades, biodiversity roofs, and micro-courts with shrubs.
SWD CEO Klaus Feldhaus stated that not every apartment will have a parking space; instead, a mobility station and excellent public transportation connections will be provided. The central location of the project means that many destinations in Düsseldorf can be reached on foot or by bicycle in ten minutes.
The inner courtyard of the project occupies more than 38% of the total 8,300 square meters, approximately 3,150 square meters. This expansive green space will feature a playground and park-like green areas, ensuring a high quality of life and sustainability. The project is also praised for its contribution to affordable housing in Düsseldorf, with over 8,700 affordable homes already provided.
Public participation and the necessary permits took nine years to complete. Preparatory work on the site will begin in July 2025, followed by the excavation of the building pit, and then the deep construction work will begin in the fall. The project remains on schedule for completion by autumn 2028.
While specific climate protection strategies for the Elisabeth-Bach Street Residential Quarter construction project were not detailed in the provided sources, typical measures in similar urban residential construction projects in Germany often include the use of energy-efficient building materials and insulation, renewable energy systems, sustainable urban drainage systems, green roofs and green spaces, encouraging low-emission transportation, and waste reduction and recycling during construction.
Mayor Stephan Keller has commended the project, expressing his appreciation for SWD's commitment to affordable housing in Düsseldorf. The 'Urban Jungle' project is set to be a vibrant and sustainable addition to the city's residential landscape.
The 'Urban Jungle' project, upon completion in autumn 2028, will offer a diverse range of apartments suitable for various family sizes, expanding the city's sports and recreational opportunities by providing a spacious inner courtyard, which includes a playground and park-like green areas. This expansive green space will not only contribute to a high quality of life for residents but also promote sustainability and biodiversity.
