archi tecture port folio work selec tion
I’m maren
hello! and this is my portfolio.
dear reader
I am pleased to give you an insight into myself and my career.
This portfolio contains work from the years of 2018-2025, selected to emphasize the different scales and approaches. Deliberately, projects have not been reworked to highlight
my authentic learning process. Your time in my portfolio is highly valued. I welcome you to learn more about me and my projects.
Maren Melina Leyendecker
table of content.
mimo
Location Wuppertal, Germany
Specialisation (Interior) Architecture
Typology Housing, Masterplan
Surface 510- und 100m2
Year 2021/22
Pages 6-13
wind catcher
Location Düsseldorf, Germany
Specialisation Architecture
Typology Education, Office
Surface 10.000m2
Year 2022/23
Pages 22-25
hürth hub
Location Alt-Hürth, Germany
Specialisation Heritage Architecture, Reuse
Typology Mixed-use
Surface 2.600 m2
Year 2024
Pages 14-19
konos
Specialisation Interior Architecture
Function Stool, Table
Year 2019/20
Pages 26-27
kita mariposa
Location Paucaparta, Bolivia
Specialisation (Interior) Architecture
Typology Education
Surface 360 m2
Year 2023/24
Pages 20-21
m inimal i mpact
Location Wuppertal, Germany
Typology Residential, Masterplan
www.mimo-hsd.de
Solar Decathlon Competition Principle
„Plan, Build, Operate“ is both the principle and the unique feature of the Solar Decathlon Europe 21/22 with an urban focus. The competition format comprises two challenges: In the Design Challenge, the teams design an architectural and energy concept for an existing building, including an addition or extension, or a new building for a gap between buildings in an urban
context and incorporate the surrounding area, including the socioeconomic issues and challenges anchored therein. The aim is to achieve redensification with living space against the backdrop of a climate-neutral building stock. In the Building Challenge, the teams build a representative section of the Design Challenge as a so-called House Demonstration Unit (HDU) on the event site Choose one Urban Situation Build the Unit Design and
in Wuppertal. The result is a fully functional exhibition building that combines attractive architecture with ecological construction and innovative building technology. The interdisciplinary team from Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences brought together seven departments. The guiding principle is „Minimal Impact - Maximum Output“, or short ,,MIMO“. The contribution shows a
solution for holistically resource-efficient buildings in an urban context. Only what offers added value to the location and creates maximum benefit with minimum intervention should be done. In the competition, the team is refurbishing and extending an existing building in Wuppertal, the Café Ada.
2020/22
House Demonstration Unit (HDU)
Design Challenge
sq m
3D-Model of our Building mimo-hsd.de/ar
The project adheres to the principle of efficient expansion, aimed at enhancing the value of the neighborhood. It offers an alternative residential solution to the large „Gründerzeit“ flats. Through thoughtful interventions and the preservation of the external appearance, the existing qualities of Café Ada and the event center will be enhanced. The extension comprises 26 pre-
fabricated solid timber residential modules spread over three storeys, following a modular approach. This facilitates sustainable utilization and a cohesive material and design concept, made possible by digital planning and production techniques. With 15 residential units catering to individuals of all ages, various flat types accommodate up to 33 occupants. The modules are strategically
offset and rotated, with an overlaid climate envelope, fostering communal spaces such as co-working areas, lounges, and an urban rooftop garden. Intelligent facade design ensures natural air conditioning within the communal areas. The private living space is extended by the principle of „those who share, have more“.
Second floor
Third floor
House Demonstration Unit (HDU)
← Link to the digital Tour mimo-hsd.de/map
Team MIMO‘s House Demonstration Unit (HDU) embodies the holistic vision of the Design Challenge within an 18 x 18-meter construction site completed in just 14 days. The HDU comprises two compact residential modules and a BSE module arranged across two levels within a climate-controlled enclosure. These levels host minimalist living spaces and communal areas including
a kitchen, dining area, lounge, and versatile furniture with integrated storage solutions.
The entrance, situated within the communal kitchen area, features flexible partitions using curtains, adaptable to create distinct zones or maintain an open layout conducive to warmth. The spacious two-story central area fosters communal interaction,
while each living module boasts a centrally located bathroom and two adaptable living spaces. Expansive lift-and-slide doors seamlessly integrate the indoor and outdoor environments, flooding the interior with natural light, while curtains ensure privacy and sun protection
Roof with photovoltaic modules
Roof construction
Module element upper floor
Fire wall
Terrace
Module element staircase
Module element ground floor
Module element technology
Construction of climate shell
Climate shell with photovoltaic modules
Ground floor
Top floor
Schueco FWS 60.SI Green 85 mm
Roof rack CLT 18 x 40 cm
Eurolam STG ISO BT 60 184 x 310 cm
Schueco FWS 60.SI Green 105 mm
High pressure profile without joint 60 mm
Schueco ADS 75 HD.HI 184 x 310 cm
Centre bar / solid construction timber 10 x 26 cm
Solid wood pillar / solid construction timber 14 x 26 cm
Folded sheet metal
Step-resistant insulation 50 mm
Schueco FWS 60.SI Green 105 mm
Bottom bar / solid construction timber 7,5 x 26 cm
Solid wood pillar / solid construction timber 14 x 26 cm
Screwed parquet flooring 30 mm
Lithotherm 45 mm
Calostat thermal conductivity
group 020 20 mm
holzius stacked ceiling 120 mm
HEB 180
Mineral wool thermal conductivity group 032 12 mm
GFM plate 30 mm
Impregnated wood fibreboard thermal conductivity group 044 80 mm Rear ventilation 30 mm
hürth hub
Location Alt-Hürth, Germany
Typology Mixed-Use
Once a central gathering point, the former Alt-Hürth swimming pool is being transformed into a vibrant space for the entire community, revitalizing the core area around Brabanter Platz. While the swimming basin will be removed, the building structure will remain, unlocking unused spaces for high-quality functions. The redesigned upper floor offers versatile
opportunities, with office spaces providing stable income through leases to regional businesses and service providers.
A carefully curated mix of uses on the ground and basement levels, including retail shops and a post office, ensures consistent activity and attracts visitors. Additional features like rentable rooms, work-
shops, and a café foster social interaction and strengthen community ties. Weekly events, discussions, and farmers’ markets integrate the building further into local life. By preserving and carefully modernizing its historic character, the former swimming pool becomes a sustainable and unique focal point for the area.
Zinc sheet roof
Counter battens 60mm
Underlay membrane
Sloped insulation 60mm (2%)
Wooden battens 80mm
Wood fibre insulation 80mm
Vapour barrier
Reinforced concrete ceiling 130mm
CO2-Sensor
Elevation south-west
CO2-Sensor
Brick ‘Reichsformat‘ 380mm ‘Märkischer Verband‘
Tiles 8mm
CO2-Sensor
Vapour barrier
Wood fibre insulation 120mm
Clay plaster 10mm
Screed with cooling & heating 65mm
Separating layer
(Impact sound) insulation 60mm
Reinforced concrete ceiling 215mm
Wooden battens 80mm
Clay building boards 20mm
Clay plaster 10mm
Skylight with motorised drive, CO2-controlled
CO2-Sensor 1m +6,45m -3,20m +3,20m ±0,00m
kita mariposa
day care centre
Location Paucaparta, Bolivia
Typology Education
Design-build status Construction
360
The design-build project focussed on the creation of a pioneering inclusive daycare centre in Bolivia. The architecture and culture of the site were studied during an intensive two-week trip to ensure a sensitive integration of local influences. The current intermediate status of one of the designs presents a structured
layout that divides the building site into five zones. Strategic projections and recesses create an architectural dynamic that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally well thought out. The butterfly roof not only elegantly separates the interior spaces, but also symbolises integration into the landscape. The age
of reinforced concrete has begun in South America. The project deliberately uses local construction methods and materials to emphasise sustainability and ecological responsibility. The project contributes to a greener future of building traditions in South America.
2023/24
wind catcher
climate institute
Location Düsseldorf, Germany
Typology Education
The project is dedicated to the planning of a climate institute based on the innovative integration of the physical element of thermal inertia. Thermal inertia refers to the ability of an element to store absorbed heat and gradually release it into the environment. The basic idea is to create two structures - three
wind tunnels with low thermal inertia and four functional buildings with high thermal inertia. The wind tunnels serve as access routes and meeting points, provide natural cooling in summer and generate heat in winter as part of the greenhouse effect. The functional buildings act as efficient heat stores in
winter and cold stores in summer. The concept combines different thermal properties, optimises the institute‘s energy consumption and creates a harmonious symbiosis and interpretation of the physical element.
2022/23
Axis
Shaping
Raising Moving
Lifting of the wind flow through the course of the sun
the buildings to collect most of the sunlight
the wind channels to catch most of the wind
the wind channels to release warm air
Wood (low)
Concrete (high)
thermal inertia
Logistics and offices
Faculty and study rooms
Auditoriums Cafeteria
stool made from wooden slats
Function Stool, Table
The Konos stool (derived from the ancient Greek κῶνος kōnos cone) is characterised by six tapered modules that are connected to each other. Each module consists of four elements that taper by a subtle value. The multiplication generates a depth that emphasises the refinement of the design. The stool can be used not only as a seat but also as
an ideal side table. The lightness of the Konos is visualised in particular by the delicately tapered diagonal supporting element. It functions as a shelf when used as a table. A functional piece of furniture for a wide range of applications.
2019/20
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