Nestled in a quiet rear courtyard on the grounds of a former garage facility in the vibrant Schöneberg district, this multi-family residence was designed as a contemporary landmark. Exceptional living quality was the guiding principle from day one. Achieving this meant preserving the mature trees on the site—a commitment that significantly increased construction complexity. To maximize green space, most parking spaces were relocated to the basement level, necessitating an underground garage. The design by Stephan Höhne Architekten (Berlin) was realized in collaboration with LMT3 Architekten (Munich).

The four-story façade thoughtfully echoes the surrounding historic architecture, adapting existing plaster textures and cornice details to create a visually cohesive streetscape. Open floor plans with expansive balconies and terraces allow residents to fully embrace the lush surroundings. Inside, public spaces are anchored by warm oak flooring and walls clad in locally sourced shell limestone, creating distinct material zones that enhance spatial clarity and character.

Construction proved particularly challenging due to unexpectedly high groundwater levels, requiring extensive waterproofing measures. A structural engineer's assessment determined that a waterproof concrete shell system was essential to proceed safely. The tight courtyard conditions meant the construction site had to be established on the public street, with every component carefully craned over the adjacent building's roof. Specialized narrow equipment was deployed to navigate the constrained space.

Despite these considerable obstacles and strict noise-reduction schedules protecting neighbors, the building was completed on time and within budget. Floor-to-ceiling windows and generous balconies flood the interiors with natural light. The softly rounded balconies with their wrought-iron details evoke a distinctly nostalgic charm. The U-shaped footprint allows the building to sit naturally within its surroundings—and at first glance, its pristine white façade aside, it could easily pass for a residence that has graced this corner for decades.

www.lmt3.de
www.stephan-hoehne-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Joerg Hempel
www.joerg-hempel.com

(Featured in CUBE Berlin 04|22)