Living close to nature in the south of Hamburg
Housing units:
approx. 1,200
Leafy and open space:
approx. 8 ha
The new residential area of Fischbeker Heidbrook is in Neugraben-Fischbek in the borough district of Harburg (map). On the area of the former Röttiger Kaserne barracks, a very liveable district is being built in the direct proximity of the Fischbeker Heide nature reserve. Detached, semi-detached and townhouses alongside small-scale apartment buildings with fantastic views of the heathlands characterise the construction. An extensive stock of trees, which has largely been able to be retained, contributes to the distinctive, natural character of the district. The allocation of plots has almost been fully completed and many of the houses and constructions are already finished. New neighbourhoods are developing in the district and the leafy and open spaces with playgrounds and sports grounds are in active use. The neighbouring Uwe-Seeler sports hall has been renovated.
Philippa Dorow
+49 40 226 227 - 242
Webseite zum Projekt
Apartment building in Fischbeker Heidbrook
A courtyard for residents designed collaboratively by neighbours
Detached house in Fischbeker Heidbrook
Supermarket, bakery, chemist's and other facilities are directly at the entrance to the district.
Conversion of the existing buildings of the former Röttiger Kaserne to make accommodation for seniors
Natural playground
Sports grounds in the district
Reopening of the renovated Uwe-Seeler sports hall
Construction site event for neighbours, summer 2017
The Fischbeker Heide borders directly on the new residential district
The approx. 54-hectare Fischbeker Heidbrook, on the site of the former Röttiger Kaserne, is in the south-west of Hamburg, on the border with Lower Saxony. Here, in the direct proximity of the nature conservation area of Fischbeker Heide, detached, semi-detached and townhouses and apartment buildings are being built. A supermarket, a chemist's, a bakery and further small-scale retail outlets offer residents the most important things they need in day-to-day life right by their front doors. In addition, two kindergartens with approx. 250–300 places are being built. Accommodation for senior citizens will be created in the converted and modernised existing buildings of the former barracks. For ease of transport, a public transport bus line is to be set up, connecting the district with the suburban railway station and the centre of Neugraben. The nearby Uwe-Seeler sports hall was renovated and completed at the end of 2018. Now it, including its newly designed exterior areas, is available to clubs, schools and the residents of Fischbeker Heidbrook. In the area, a large children's playground on the so-called "Plateau" and a games and hang-out area for young people have been built.
The special thing about the new residential district is its location on the edge of the heathlands. This residential area further establishes its connection to the natural surroundings by the extensive stock of trees which, through careful effort, have been retained as far as possible.
Living close to nature – respectful interaction with nature: learning – living – strengthening neighbourly relations
For Fischbeker Heidbrook (as for Vogelkamp Neugraben) the IBA Hamburg has developed the brand "Living close to nature", derived from the area's proximity to two large nature conservation areas. More than just a slogan, it also reflects an attitude, intending to stimulate the appropriate treatment of nature and the formation of neighbourhoods. This is why educational offers and neighbourhood activities were promoted from the outset. Of course, living close to nature also plays a role in the overall development of the district in many areas (housing, open space, mobility, energy efficiency).
Here are a few examples:
Cooperation with the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU):
Informative event on nature-promoting garden design together with the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) – from insect-friendly plant selection to swallow nesting boxes on the bike shed (yearly)
Welcome package with NABU information material on topics related to nature
Education and information offers:
Information event on rainwater management and near-surface drainage on private plots (yearly)
Regular information on selected themes in the newsletter
Living close to nature in district development
The following requirements and regulations have been determined for both districts in order to achieve the goal of a sustainable residential district of lasting value:
Near-surface drainage with troughs and channels offering habitats for plants and animals and strengthening the natural water cycle
As little land sealing as possible on private plots and public space
Energy standard of all new-builds is at KfW 55 or better.
Connection of all new-builds to a heating network with cogeneration/waste heat
Offers for electric carsharing
Native plants as hedging to enclose the plots, offering habitats for animals
Securing the stock of trees by a variety of measures
New tree planting on all plots, public spaces and streets
Qualities in the detached housing sector
To ensure the quality of district development in the detached housing sector as well, supporting stable neighbourhoods and at the same time creating a harmonious and well-designed overall district, the acquisition of a plot in Fischbeker Heidbrook was linked to the implementation of a design from the "Our suggestions for living close to nature" catalogue of houses. The house catalogue lists houses that are offered ready for occupancy from pre-fabricated house suppliers while at the same time meeting the quality and design requirements for the district development. All designs comply with the energy standard KfW 55 or better. The offers were selected by a high-calibre selection committee consisting of the representatives of various authorities and architects. Alongside the implementation of one of these houses, there was also the option of submitting another architectural design. A Design Advisory Board, also occupied by the representatives of various authorities and architects, watched over the quality of designs and decides whether they may be implemented in the district.
Through quality control, the IBA Hamburg ensures the implementation of the design requirements both in detached houses and apartment buildings.
Living close to nature
Episode 1: living with and in nature (only german)
Episode 2: Designing a neighbourhood together - The Wohnhof Workshop (only german)
Episode 3: Good architecture for a neighbourhood worth living in (only german)
In 2019, the final plots for townhouses and a few plots for apartment buildings will be brought to market. In 2019/2020, the final construction of roads will take place. The kindergarten in the existing building will open in 2020 and the new one on the Plateau will open in 2020.
The IBA Hamburg provides yearly information in a public project dialogue on the current state of planning and answers questions from citizens.
To project process