In many cities, housing is in short supply, while many mobility-related spaces such as railway station car parks remain underused. Archipelago makes use of this potential to create new housing without sealing additional land.
Flexibility and sustainability
At the heart of the project is the modular WeOn-4D construction system. These timber modules can be mechanically unfolded from a transport width of 2.44 metres to almost three times their original size. This reduces planning requirements and allows transport over long distances without the need for special permits. The flexibility of the modules makes a wide variety of housing types possible. Floor plans ranging from two to four rooms meet the requirements of the Bavarian housing subsidy programme, all with accessible bathrooms and natural daylight. Sustainable building materials such as stainless steel, timber, clay and parquet flooring enable CO₂-neutral construction. The location directly along public transport corridors also benefits the climate by reducing the need for private cars. Accessible access routes and communal spaces further promote social inclusion.
A new process and a model for others
Where tenders, competitions, planning phases and individual approvals once took years, the system now enables a linear process, from assessing demand and selecting apartment sizes through to ordering and assembling the modules. The system supports accelerated procedures, provides a basis for future serial approval models and sets new standards for sustainable urban development through repeated use. Archipelago can serve as a model for similar projects and demonstrates how today’s construction methods can shape the housing of tomorrow.
