Dahlem is defined by detached villas lining verdant streets. Nestled between the Botanical Garden and Grunewald, the spacious residential quarter is studded with parks, tree-lined avenues, and water features. It's a serene neighborhood in high demand – yet just 20 minutes from the vibrant Kurfürstendamm, thanks to excellent transport connections. On Clayallee, where the German-American Folk Festival once thrived at Truman Plaza until 2010, Eller + Eller Architects have crafted a dynamic composition of 25 villas, semi-detached houses, and apartment buildings. Anchored by a landscape design by Vogt Landscape Architects, the masterplan draws on concepts by Wiel Arets Architects.

The residential structures ring a lake like pebbles smoothed by water at the shoreline. Within the three- to five-story buildings sit 130 apartments, ranging from 85 to 300 m² of living space. Each residence features an open floor plan that distinctly shapes the façades through floor-to-ceiling windows, cantilevered balconies, recessed loggias, and terraces extending toward the water. Clinker brick, hand-finished plaster, and wood materials combine to create visual richness—a layered, tactile aesthetic that rewards close observation.

The 6,000 m² artificial lake forms the atmospheric heart of the district. Its five arms partition the residential area into islands of varied scale, making the water visible from the public realm. Along the reed-fringed shoreline, private gardens and shared spaces flow together seamlessly. Ground-floor residences have assigned garden areas, separated from the "green fingers"—tree-lined communal zones with sinuous pathways—by graceful hornbeam hedges that extend to the water's edge. Between buildings, lake, and park, sightlines multiply and shift continuously from every vantage point—every residence enjoys views of the water. Parking is housed in underground garages integrated into each residential island and directly connected to the buildings, leaving all above-ground paths car-free for pedestrians and cyclists.

The sustainability strategy leverages geothermal and solar thermal systems alongside extensive green roofs, while preserving mature trees and introducing rich new plantings throughout. As Berlin's first residential project to achieve DGNB Gold certification, it sets a standard for environmental responsibility. Investor Stofanel Investment further enhanced the Five Acre Urban Village with a shopping center, childcare facility, and additional residences along Clayallee. The complete 5.6-hectare development earned the prestigious European Property Award for best real estate project in the Mixed-Use Development category.

www.eller-eller.de

Photography Credits:

Werner Huthmacher
huthmacher-data.de

(Published in CUBE Berlin 02|21)