An extraordinary architectural achievement rises directly from the banks of the Dahme, a river flowing through Grünau in south-east Berlin. Love architecture and urbanism, the Graz-based studio behind this design, had already turned heads with the 50hertz Netzquartier in Europacity. This residential complex in Grünau's 52° Nord neighbourhood consists of three buildings. Two structures by Berlin architects Pätzold flank Love architecture and urbanism's 28-unit residential building, together forming the ensemble "The View." The apartments sold rapidly – a testament not merely to the building's striking design, but equally to the exceptional quality of its setting: a compelling blend of natural beauty, leisure amenities, serenity, and spaciousness.

The building's defining feature is its cantilevered balconies extending eight metres outward, creating a sequence of floating walkways that connect the north-east facing apartments to the water below. These elements function simultaneously as private outdoor spaces and circulation paths. Beyond offering individual residents leisure and relaxation, they foster community and connection among neighbours. The architects capture this duality perfectly: "The walkway is the building – it defines the house visually and conceptually. It is the structure's face and soul." The 28 units spread across four full storeys plus a staggered top floor with continuous balconies. Vertical circulation connects directly to the walkways—set two metres from the building edge—leading seamlessly to both generous terraces and apartment entries. The effect evokes a wooden ship's railing with metal mesh infill. On the water side, folding glass doors complete each unit. Visually, these expansive cantilevered elements appear weightless, a quality reinforced by the firm's signature angled external columns linking each level. A 6,000 m² water basin anchors the district plaza, capturing runoff through sponge-city principles for sustainable management.

The 52° Nord neighbourhood's commitment to sustainability earned it the Iconic Award for innovative architecture. Comprising 63 owner-occupied units across the three buildings, the complex derives its visual impact from the dramatic floating walkways and their masterful interplay of timber, aluminium, and concrete.

www.love-home.com

Photography Credits:

Jasmin Schuller
www.jasminschuller.com

(Published in CUBE Berlin 02|22)