083 Platten-Bau

2026-

Caterina Ricci
Patrick Holzer
und Jurek Brüggen

in collaboration with AFEA

Experimental Fellowship together with Bauhaus Earth

Developed under the Experimental Fellowship 2026, the "Platten-Bau" project by the Association for Ecological Architecture (AFEA) addresses a critical structural paradox. While nearly two million housing units sit vacant across Germany¹, a deficit of nearly two million affordable housing units paralyzes major cities². Instead of demolition and new construction, the project’s central driving question is how to physically relocate this vacant regional architecture from where it is abandoned to where it is urgently needed.

Supported by an interdisciplinary team of architects, structural engineers, and energy experts, the research investigates the reuse potential of prefabricated WBS 70 concrete elements – proving that Germany does not lack housing, but that its stock is simply in the wrong place. Instead of continuing the traditional "demolish-and-crush" and "build-build-build" dogma, the project establishes a circular, climate-neutral framework that treats vacancy not as waste, but as a strategic material reservoir for sustainable urban growth.

Partnering with the Experimental Foundation and Bauhaus Earth, the team documents salvage sites and analyzes deconstruction and transport methods. Together, we are developing the manual for reusing and reassembling existing Plattenbau elements in different configurations. Additionally, we are exploring compatible bio-based assemblies and connection details to meet "Gebäudetyp E" standards. The project culminates in a 1:1 physical pavilion prototype, demonstrating a scalable, regenerative alternative for the future national housing sector.




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