Waldspirale is a unique residential complex located in Darmstadt, Germany, built in the 1990s. The name, which translates as ‘forest spiral’, refers to both the spiral form of the building and its green roof. The design was created by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, architect Heinz M. Springmann was responsible for the planning and execution, and construction was carried out by Bauverein Darmstadt. The complex was officially opened in 2000.
Waldspirale is located in the Bürgerparkviertel district and consists of 105 flats and an underground garage. The building stands out from the rest with its unique façade, which does not follow any regular pattern, and windows that appear to ‘dance out of line’. The roof, which is planted with grass, shrubs, flowers and trees, features a unique garden that rises spirally upwards, reaching 12 storeys at its highest point.
Ludvig14, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
All the windows at Waldspirale are unique – no two are identical. The same applies to the handles and other finishing details, which are different in each flat. Some of the flats are designed in Hundertwasser’s signature style, with coloured tiles in bathrooms and kitchens and rounded corners, in keeping with his ‘against the straight line’ principle. Although only a few flats have such unique finishes, the entire complex reflects the artist’s creative vision.
On the outside, the building catches the eye with elements typical of Hundertwasser: gilded onion-shaped domes, a lack of straight lines and sharp angles, and colourful facade painting in earthy tones. In addition, the Waldspirale is decorated with ceramic columns that add an artistic touch to the building.
The Waldspirale is not only an example of unique architecture, but also a place that offers residents a unique aesthetic and functional experience through its form and details. It is a true masterpiece that combines art and architecture into a harmonious whole, reflecting the vision of one of the most original artists of the 20th century. We wrote about another of his projects HERE.
Source: hundertwasser.com, atlasobscura.com
Also read: Architecture | Facade | City | Germany | Travel
