Wraplägen

Wraplägen is a term used in architectural theory to describe a type of residential layout in which the building envelope wraps around a central space, such as a courtyard or shared street, creating a continuous exterior perimeter that encloses interior living units. The concept emphasizes flexible interiors, modular partitioning, and daylight access from multiple façades. The name combines the idea of wrapping with a reference to apartments, reflecting a design approach that prioritizes perimeter formation and adaptive living.

Origin and usage of the term have appeared in European architectural discussions and design studios since the early 2020s as a response to high-density housing pressures and the desire for legible, walkable neighborhoods. Wraplägen are discussed as a way to balance private living spaces with shared outdoor areas, while maintaining clear street edges and an active street life. The concept is often explored in speculative projects and teaching studios rather than as a standardized building type.

Design characteristics commonly associated with wraplägen include a continuous exterior envelope that forms terraces, balconies, or loggias along the wrapped edge, and interior plans that can be reconfigured to accommodate changing household needs or rental models. Some variants place shared amenities along the core and push private units toward the outer edges to optimize daylight, ventilation, and social permeability. The approach can be applied to low-rise courtyard blocks, mid-rise ensembles, or high-rise wraps, depending on site conditions.

Advantages frequently cited for wraplägen are improved daylight penetration, enhanced outdoor access, and opportunities for social interaction along the wrap. Critics note potential higher construction costs, acoustic challenges at wrap edges, privacy concerns for units facing shared boundaries, and possible complexities in procurement and code compliance.