Laubenganghäuser
The Laubenganghäuser (Houses with Balcony Access) in Dessau-Törten were built in 1929/1930 by Bauhaus director Hannes Meyer. The striking red brick buildings connect apartments through distinctive open corridors ‘the Laubengänge’ and remain a prime example of social housing to this day. By realizing his vision of ‘needs of the people instead of luxury’, the Swiss architect created affordable housing for low-income families. Five listed buildings with a total of 90 apartments are in Mittelbreite and Peterholzstrasse. Their simple and clear design continues to stand as a brilliant architectural concept.
Highlights
Since July 9, 2017, the Laubenganghäuser have officially been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Bauhaus, adding another cultural highlight to the city of Dessau. Remarkably, the buildings are still fully inhabited to this day and property of today’s Wohnungsgenossenschaft Dessau eG since construction. The ‘Laubengänge’ (galleries) serve not only as access to the apartments but also as communal gathering spaces. In fair weather, residents use them like balconies, lovingly calling them ‘the living room of summer.’ This social aspect of the architectural design benefits residents on multiple levels, making the buildings a vibrant living space to this day.
Insider's Guide
At Peterholzstrasse 40, a show apartment has been preserved largely in its original state and can be visited as part of guided tours. The included furniture was designed and realized in the Bauhaus workshops. Another highlight in 2023, the first of the five Laubenganghäuser at Peterholzstrasse 48 was modernized as a pilot project with funding from the state of Saxony-Anhalt. This modernization has brought the historic building into the future while preserving its legacy, showcasing a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation.