Reihenhaus

A Reihenhaus, literally "row house" in German, is a residential building that forms part of a continuous row with adjacent houses. The units share party walls on one or both sides, producing uniform façades and efficient land use. End houses in the row typically have one exposed side, while middle units are flanked on both sides.

Reihenhäuser have been a common urban housing form since the 19th century, especially in German-speaking countries. They arose to accommodate growing populations in cities and were later included in large housing estates or "Siedlungen." While the concept is global, the term Reihenhaus is predominantly used in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland.

Typical layouts spread over two to three stories, with a compact footprint and a stair tower connecting floors. Ground floors usually contain living areas and kitchens; upper floors house bedrooms, and many rows include basements or attics. Exterior design is often uniform within a row, though end units may show slight variations.

Within German usage, the main variants are Reihenmittelhaus (middle house) and Reihenendhaus (end house). A Doppelhaushälfte (semi-detached) is a related form where two houses share one wall but each has its own separate side wall. Common building materials include brick or clinker brick, stucco, and, in older rows, timber framing.

Advantages of Reihenhäuser include efficient land and infrastructure use, relatively lower construction costs per dwelling, and improved energy performance from shared walls. Disadvantages can include noise transmission between units, limited privacy, and restricted opportunities for expansion or customization. Modern examples increasingly emphasize energy efficiency and flexible interior layouts.

See also: terraced house, townhouse, semi-detached house, housing estate.