On the corner of Wilmersdorfer Straße and Schillerstraße in Berlin Wilmersdorf, in the heart of Berlin, stands a typical representative of West Berlin architecture of the 1960s. A massive concrete sculpture whose façade is structured by protruding flower boxes and ridge line projections. The model of the car-friendly city is exemplified here by the complete underpinning of the site with an underground car park. The ground floor zone and the first floor are used for commercial purposes.
As a special challenge, the building is located in a social conservation area and therefore may not be structurally altered.
We see this restriction as an opportunity to realise a redensification in timber construction on this plot which respects the existing building.
Thereby we can generate more than double the living space and optize the retail space.
The preservation of the existing building stock and the construction method with light wooden modules will create the opportunity to preserve affordable housing.
It is planned to introduce an active water management with rainwater retention and create thereby a favourable microclimate by using roof areas as green spaces, balconies and planting areas in the spirit of Sponge City.
The building will be brought up to contemporary energy standards. We are planning the use of renewable energy through the use of PV as a façade material.
The finished project will be a landmark within the entry of the largest pedestrian zone in Berlin.
