Straddling the boundary between Friedrichshain and Lichtenberg, the Stefan-Heym-Platz development represents a mixed-use complex that seamlessly merges work and living spaces. A striking 64-metre office tower with 17 storeys anchors the ensemble, accompanied by five complementary residential structures. Beyond its architectural presence, the tower functions as an acoustic barrier against traffic noise from the busy intersection of Frankfurter Allee and Möllendorffstraße. Spanning an expansive two hectares, this development is perhaps best understood as an entirely new neighbourhood. Baumschlager Eberle Architekten's winning design has been fully realized, with operations commencing in 2021. The housing association client's ambitious objectives—maximizing space efficiency while optimizing site utilization—have been met: the project delivers over 250 rental apartments in varied configurations alongside 15,000 m² of flexible office space. The tower's distinctive presence derives from its refined aesthetic: a disciplined grid façade clad in pale limestone that commands attention across the cityscape. Generously proportioned courtyards, landscaped gardens, play areas, and fitness zones are complemented by dining facilities, creating vibrant community spaces. Two basement parking levels, surface-level car-sharing bays, and distributed bicycle parking throughout the grounds round out the infrastructure. Each building's programmatic purpose reads clearly through its façade language. The residential units—predominantly dual-aspect apartments—feature slender floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, or fully glazed loggias, contrasting with the office tower's grid composition. The development earned DGNB Platinum certification in 2022.

www.baumschlager-eberle.com

Photography Credits:

Ulrich Schwarz
www.ulrichschwarz.eu

(Published in CUBE Berlin 04|23)