Offshore Borkum: Architecturally Sophisticated Urban Development

Reede, Germany

Project's Summary

Offshore Borkum Project: A New Urban Development

The Offshore Borkum project is a new urban development created by Delugan Meissl Associated Architects. The project consists of a series of compact and architecturally sophisticated residential units that are being created in the northern part of the harbour for workers in the offshore sector. The project reflects on local tradition in terms of its form, materiality, and density. The design is making a key contribution to the revival of the area and is located on the old naval harbour at the southern tip of the island.

A Unique Living Experience for Workers in the Offshore Sector

The Offshore Borkum project offers a unique living experience for workers in the offshore sector. The quarter includes staff accommodation, retail space, and high-quality recreational areas. The design of the project is compact and architecturally sophisticated, reflecting the local tradition. The brick façades, with their inset block windows and applied loggias, shape the external appearance of the residential blocks while timber slats, which are positioned at rhythmic intervals along the loggias, structure the built volumes.

Flood Protection and Generously Laid Out External Areas

Flood protection has been provided by gently modelling the terrain, an approach that goes hand in hand with the warm touch of the timber lamella and the familiar presence of exposed brick as main construction resources. The generously laid out external areas empathise with the landscape of the surrounding dunes, above which the buildings appear to float. The project provides a comfortable living environment for workers in the offshore sector while also contributing to the revitalisation of the area.

Architecturally Sophisticated Design

The Offshore Borkum project is an example of architecturally sophisticated design that reflects on local tradition. The project provides a unique living experience for workers in the offshore sector and includes staff accommodation, retail space, and high-quality recreational areas. Flood protection has been provided by gently modelling the terrain, and the generously laid out external areas empathise with the surrounding landscape. The project is making a key contribution to the revitalisation of the area and is located on the old naval harbour at the southern tip of the island.