Completed in 2019, Neu Schöneberg introduced a vibrant residential quarter along Bautzener Str. 22–26, nestled between the S-Bahn line and the Gleisdreieck park. Seven six-storey reinforced concrete residential buildings rise from the 17,030 m² site, a former brownfield. Rather than adhering to conventional perimeter block design, the architects drew inspiration from neighbouring typologies and heights while intentionally breaking up the blocks with strategic openings. The result: a dynamic streetscape punctuated by inviting green courtyards that encourage residents to linger and connect.

Commissioned directly by client Dr. Wolfgang Schroeder Immobilien, the project was designed by Berlin-based Collignon Architektur and earned platinum certification from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) for its innovative sustainability strategy. With a rating of 83.7 per cent, it represents, in architect Oliver Collignon's words, "Germany's highest-rated new urban quarter development." The assessment criteria encompass lifecycle costs, building longevity, and publicly accessible green spaces—all of which Neu Schöneberg excels in. Energy systems were particularly lauded: the development employs a sophisticated heating solution combining wastewater heat recovery with solar energy. So efficient is this approach that gas heating (CHP) is only needed on the coldest days. Controlled ventilation with heat recovery ensures sound insulation while maintaining the freedom to open windows.

The development comprises 300 apartments across diverse floor plans, deliberately prioritising smaller and medium-sized units to address the pronounced shift toward single-person households. Universal design principles ensure suitability for seniors and residents with mobility considerations. Ground-floor spaces are allocated to retail, with Building 1 on Yorckstraße featuring a café and fitness studio. A 35-place daycare facility occupies a pavilion in the southern park. Approximately 15 per cent of units enjoy subsidised rates under Berlin's housing support programme. East-facing units toward the railway all feature balconies, while south-facing terraces grace spaces between buildings.

Neu Schöneberg's appeal extends beyond architecture to location. Direct S-Bahn access and walkable proximity to Potsdamer Platz, Winterfeldplatz, and Gleispark position the quarter as a genuinely connected urban destination.

www.collignonarchitektur.com

Photography Credits:

Linus Lintner
www.linus-lintner.de

(Published in CUBE Berlin 02|21)