2004 - senior residence - heisdorf - luxembourg

The old castle of Heisdorf, situated in a park with marvellous mature trees, has undergone numerous alterations (extensions) since it was first built in the 19th century. Nevertheless, it was too small and above all could not offer the levels of comfort expected today in a facility of this kind.

HVP approached this work cautiously. They renovated the historic building fabric of the castle, but without visible architectural changes. In contrast the accumulated extensions were demolished and replaced by a new wing linked to the castle by an elevated, glazed connecting element.

The new building is oriented north-south with, on one side, large glazed loggias (known as “curiosities”) facing in the direction of the castle and projecting, roofed balconies looking onto the park on the other.

Without any doubt making the new building of exposed concrete was a risk. But the building is so convincingly integrated in the existing fabric – surrounded by a newly designed outdoor area with water, steps to sit upon, paved and carefully planted green areas – that it represents a facility with an extremely high value indeed. A great deal of wood and glass was employed and spaces are flooded with daylight, friendly and warm. And – something particularly important for the elderly – the residents feel protected but thanks to the openness in many areas also have a view of everything that is going on outside.

Bauherr | Client: Maredoc a.s.b.l.

Wettbewerb | Competition: 2000
Planungsbeginn | Start of planning: 2001
Baubeginn | Start of construction: 2003
Fertigstellung | Completion: 2007
Nutzfläche | Usable floor area: 6.040 m2
Umbauter Raum | Enclosed volume: 37.486 m3
Freifläche | Outdoor area: 3.626 m2
Landschaftsplanung | Landscape planning: HVP
Projektleitung | Project management: HVP

Thomas Letz, Oliver Schleimer