The Spiegelfabrik is an innovative housing project located in Fürth, Germany, built on the site of a former mirror factory. Completed in 2021, it was designed by the architectural firm Heide & von Beckerath with a focus on community-oriented living and sustainability.
The development consists of a mix of cooperative and owner-occupied apartments, catering to diverse residents including refugees, charity beneficiaries, and exiled writers. It features a neighborhood center that serves as a hub for local initiatives and community engagement. The project's design emphasizes a balance between private and public spaces, with access balconies that double as meeting places for neighbors.
Sustainability plays a significant role in the Spiegelfabrik's design and operation. The building incorporates energy-efficient systems and serves as a mini power plant, featuring a combined heat and power unit and photovoltaic panels. The project also promotes car-free mobility through car-sharing services and communal bicycle facilities.
The Spiegelfabrik aims to be a model for transforming former industrial sites into vibrant, community-focused neighborhoods. Its innovative approach to housing and commitment to social and environmental sustainability make it a noteworthy example of modern urban development that prioritizes community well-being and ecological responsibility.