Wohnwerk

The five-part ensemble, with its exclusive location between the river Spree and the neigh­bourhood park, consists of four polygonal freestanding buildings in a loose formation, flanked to the south by an elongated linear block. The buildings step up in height towards the water and are positioned at slight angles to each other, thus creating a rich variety of vistas to the river and within the community. The shape and height of the linear block is corre­sponds to the adjacent residential construction to the south and west.

The arran­gement of the buildings results in a sequence of three courtyard-like outdoor spaces with a pleasantly inviting atmosphere. They form sheltered communal areas that create an identi­fiable place and facilitate access. At the same time, passage through the site in all direc­tions opens up the property to the entire neigh­bourhood, promoting encounters and a communal spirit within the complex. Seating steps create exciting transi­tions between the neigh­bourhood and the public water­front.

The design of the buildings embraces the idea of a flowing transition between exterior and interior. All the dwellings have either gardens on the ground floor or balconies or loggias on the upper floors. In the freestanding buildings, optimal daylighting is achieved through a pinwheel-like plan layout and the resulting two-sided orien­tation. The placement of the balconies at the corners of the buildings affords attractive views of the Spree as an identity-conferring element. The linear block offers similar qualities with its north–south orien­tation and balconies on both long sides.

The façades are articu­lated by horizontal bands of concrete and vertical greyed timber cladding. A slight twist to the position of the set-back upper storeys brings additional life to the ensemble.