The structural transformation on the historic site of the former Jean Fuss & Sohn KG ('Marei') majolica factory in Rheinbach is complete. Following the start of construction in autumn 2023, the official handover of keys has now taken place, presented by Matthias Ryzlewicz, Managing Director of the construction contractor weisenburger bau GmbH, to Sandra Wehrmann, Chair of the Management Board of housing company VIVAWEST. The Gelsenkirchen-based company is integrating all residential and commercial units into its own portfolio following the completion of the final construction phase.
The newly created Majolika-Quartier consists of eleven apartment buildings arranged across four building complexes. The scheme comprises 150 privately financed flats and 24 publicly subsidised apartments for senior citizens, divided into two assisted living groups. The social infrastructure is complemented by a modern day care facility. Both assisted living groups and the care services are operated by the Rheinische Gesellschaft für Diakonie.
Differentiated building structure and energy standards
Flat sizes range between two and four rooms with living areas of approximately 59 to 122 square metres, designed for step-free accessibility. Structurally, the eleven buildings feature varying stepped heights: seven structures were constructed with three full storeys and a recessed penthouse storey, whilst four further buildings have four storeys plus a recessed penthouse storey. The neighbourhood has been completed to the KfW 55 EE energy standard and relies on air-to-water heat pumps as well as photovoltaic systems on the roofs. For stationary traffic, 167 underground parking spaces are available, pre-fitted for the installation of charging infrastructure.
- —174 residential units, divided into 150 privately financed flats and 24 subsidised senior apartments
- —Day care facility and assisted living groups operated by the Rheinische Gesellschaft für Diakonie
- —KfW 55 EE energy standard with air-to-water heat pumps and photovoltaics
- —167 underground parking spaces pre-equipped for electric mobility
Historical commemoration and municipal housing targets
To document the site's industrial past, the project partners created a large-format picture gallery on a central neighbourhood wall in coordination with the Rheinbach Municipal Archives. A historical timeline commemorates the era of ceramics manufacturing during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, which was shaped by companies such as Marei, Ruscha and Otto Keramik. Matthias Ryzlewicz emphasised during the handover that this architectural reference builds a bridge between local history and modern living space.
As VIVAWEST Managing Director Sandra Wehrmann explained, almost all units were already let by the time of the handover. The development strengthens the company's presence in the Rhineland. Rheinbach's Mayor, Dr Daniel Phiesel, also commended the completion of the project, stating that the neighbourhood on the site used industrially for roughly 90 years blends into its surroundings and makes a substantial contribution to the town's target of creating around 2,000 new residential units by 2035.
