Low-level storage at the beach by the Neckar river

In the area where, until last autumn, visitors were attracted by thriving gardens, a pioneering ecological urban district is gradually emerging. The first showcase objects were completed in time for the opening of the BUGA 2019 (National Garden Show) in Heilbronn. The event also featured a space-saving semi-automatic parking system by WÖHR Autoparksysteme GmbH.

For the first time, urban development and residential construction were also included as part of the exhibition concept at a national garden show. With an investment volume of 145 million euros, the vision of a sustainable town by the river was created on three building blocks for the BUGA 2019. The “Stadtausstellung Neckarbogen” with a total of 23 buildings is accommodating owner-occupied and rental apartments as well as commercial premises, a day nursery and a youth hostel. The striking ensemble with green facades, plenty of wood and glass, including the highest timber house in Germany, demonstrates how life and work can be successfully combined in harmony with technology and the environment. It is envisaged that 3,500 people will live at the Neckarbogen district and around 1,000 people will work there by 2030.

The topic of mobility was also an essential aspect during the planning stage. In addition to e-mobility stations and bike- sharing, a parking solution had to be found for the residents. “As parking spaces above ground were not an option, space-saving underground parking concepts were required. In the circumstances, as a leading specialist for compacted parking solutions was naturally predestined” explained Johannes Hirt, Sales Director of the “hidden champion” from Swabian Friolzheim.

Together with the architectural practice 6H in Stuttgart, a semi-automatic WÖHR parking system with a total of 143 car parking spaces was implemented for the “Townhouse at the Neckarbogen”. “Our Combilift 542 Komfort system optimises the principle of stacking and moving cars closer together. This drastically reduces the floor space required, with more convenience for the driver”, according to Hirt. The system, which has already proven itself with numerous parking solutions all over the world, provides the residents with a permanently allocated, horizontally accessible parking space. Separated by theft-proof paled gates, the vehicles are manoeuvred on two levels in such a way that the relevant parking space is quickly available for entering or exiting. The request is made either via RFID chip, a radio remote control, or with the Smart Parking App developed by WÖHR. The main advantage of the Combilift compared to conventional park lift systems, apart from the increased headroom, is above all the more convenient entry and exit on horizontal platforms. In addition, there is the low installation height of only 220 cm, which still enables SUVs to park on both levels. “Using a universal vertical column, each Combilift parking place can be retrospectively fitted on-site with a charging station for electric vehicles. This provides optimal flexibility for current and future mobility solutions” Johannes Hirt is pleased to say. “Of course, the WÖHR Combilift 542 can be modified as required. Four product variants are available for different vehicle sizes, and modules with 3 to 19 parking spaces can be implemented.”