SCHMELZLE+PARTNER

The S+P Apartments provide young architects a temporary home that seamlessly combines living, working, and learning, easing their transition into the S+P Campus and the Northern Black Forest.

Attracting young talents to a rural region like the Northern Black Forest is a challenge—especially given the tight housing market. The S+P Apartments address this by offering newcomers a temporary home for up to six months, eliminating the stress of an immediate apartment search and strengthening the office’s position in recruitment processes. The project creates a seamless integration of professional and private life, facilitating arrival, social exchange, and personal development for new employees, particularly those relocating from urban areas.

At the heart of the apartments are two generous communal spaces serving as living, dining, and working areas. These open-plan rooms encourage interaction without imposing it, allowing both focus and social exchange. Private apartments offer calm, structured retreats equipped for rest and concentration. High-speed fiber connectivity ensures seamless access to the campus’ digital infrastructure, supporting flexible, efficient work. The design balances communal and private spaces to foster well-being, productivity, and integration into the campus community.

The S+P Apartments represent a logical extension of the S+P Campus, expanding its integrated concept of the workplace and shared facilities into the realm of temporary accommodation. By providing a well-designed, flexible housing option, the apartments make relocation to the Northern Black Forest more attractive and manageable. They complement the Open Space Office and communal areas, strengthening the campus ecosystem and reinforcing its identity as a place that nurtures talent, encourages collaboration, and supports professional and personal development.

Sustainability is central to the project concept. The building achieves KfW 40 energy efficiency standards and combines solar energy with geothermal heating. Timber construction and concrete usage are carefully chosen to optimize energy performance, while the selection of local, durable materials ensures long-term value. Together, architecture, materials, and technical systems form a forward-looking, resource-efficient solution that balances ecological responsibility with user comfort.

The building’s architecture blends sensitively into its residential surroundings. Large volumes are divided into stacked sections, creating a dynamic and inviting structure. Inside and out, local timber—mainly spruce and fir—is used alongside exposed concrete,
combining warmth with minimalism. Open communal areas are flooded with natural light, promoting a sense of transparency, openness, and clarity. Every detail, from the hand-crafted finishes to the subdued, hotel-like charm of private units, reinforces a timeless, high-quality aesthetic.