In 2018 the last active coal mine in Ruhrgebiet, Germany was shut down. As a result of the region’s declining coal industry, many of the colliery apartments occupied by workers were privatized and sold. However, as explained by Colossal, “Oftentimes, new owners only purchased half of the building—miners maintained a lifelong right of residence to their quarters––creating a stark split between the left and right sides of the structure.”
Photographer Wolfgang Fröhling captures these distinct, juxtaposed structures in a series of photos taken across the region called “Semi-detached Houses”. Half-painted façades and heavily contrasting landscaping are featured in this assemblage of disparate homes sharing the same roof. The full collection of images can be seen on Pixel Project, and more of Fröhling’s work can be viewed on his website.
4 Comments
the unrenovated halves look better...
I love these. I love when people personalize their space.
It's like when one conjoined twin becomes a musician and the other goes to business school.
Also, am enjoying that slightly asymmetrical gable pitch in the second photo.
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