Waldspirale, Residential structure in Darmstadt, Germany

Waldspirale is a residential building in Darmstadt with a curved U-shape and a diagonal roofline that climbs through twelve stories, covered in greenery. The facade features irregular windows and colorful ceramic tiles, while a courtyard with a small lake and playground sits at the center.

The Vienna-born artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser designed the complex, which was planned and executed by architect Heinz M. Springmann and built by bauverein AG Darmstadt. Completed in 2000, it was one of Hundertwasser's last works; he died in February 2000.

The name means forest spiral, after the plan and the planted roof. Hundertwasser's "tree tenants" grow from windows, and some flats have rounded corners and colourful tiles in bath and kitchen. Outside, gilded onion domes and ceramic columns mark the artist's style.

The complex is a private residence and can only be viewed from the outside, though visitors can walk along the facade and around the central courtyard. The building sits in the eastern part of Darmstadt and is within walking distance or a short ride from the train station.

Each of the more than 1000 windows has a different size and shape, giving residents individually framed views and light conditions in their apartments. Recycled materials were incorporated into the construction, and many walls feature ceramic tiles that were handcrafted on site.