With 55 Frames, SOINI ASSET has created high-quality living space on the site of the former Customs Criminal Investigation Office, transporting the advantages of a small urban quarter to Cologne’s city centre – the first privately financed inner-city property consolidation based on Albert Speer’s master plan. In particular, the façade with its framed balconies, so-called “Frames”, provides an extraordinary field of tension.
The “55 Frames” project was awarded in an architectural competition. The overall concept by Boris Enning, architect BDA urban planner from Cologne, convinced the jury. “In addition to the exceptional architecture and individual space, the concept also includes an intelligently planned environment with contemporary mobility such as e-Bike charging stations, a car-sharing project, housekeeping and modern energy management,” said Boris Enning, who was unanimously awarded first place by the jury. The result is a high urban quality in the middle of Cologne’s city centre, a high-quality living space with the seclusion of a small urban quarter. The excitingly structured façade impressively represents the architectural concept. Accentuated by framed balconies, so-called “frames” made of exposed concrete – which are held in place by wall panels with the help of the Schöck Isokorb type WXT – a distinctive image is created.
Günter Berlo, a real estate expert at SOINI ASSET and experienced market observer, decided to buy an apartment here while the building was still under construction.
“I am a city person and very much appreciate being in the middle of the action and yet enjoying the peace and quiet.” The special challenge at that time was to combine the central location, on one of the busiest streets, with retreat and tranquillity. The architectural firm Boris Enning, planned two compact, yet permeable residential blocks with quiet inner courtyards on the 4,162 sqm corner lot. The structures are connected by numerous paths that create a semi-public area. The traffic and noise situation was responded to with development via bright arcades as light corridors and the protected green inner courtyard. An oasis of calm in the middle of the pulsating Rhine metropolis. “I am now friends with many of the owners,” Berlo enthuses.”
Günter Berlo, Berlo Real GmbH
“Framed exposed concrete balconies give facade an extraordinary look”
Allgemeine Bau Zeitung, “Urban residential project” July 2018.
Residential
55 Frames Cologne
Cologne
81 residential units
Project developer, shareholder, developer, financial investor, individual sales.
28. March 2023
