Bold projects demand bold developers. Behind the "Postwerk" in Tegel stands the Glockenweiss Group—a team committed to a clear mission. "We've benefited enormously from the cultural and social vitality of this community. This project is our way of giving back," say managing directors Christopher Weiß and Andrea von der Bel, the visionaries who made this neighbourhood transformation possible. The conversion plans came from &Mica, a Berlin-based architecture practice known for thoughtful interventions. The site itself tells a story: a former post office on Grußdorfstraße, originally part of a traditional perimeter block bounded by Budde- and Gorkistraße. Behind the historic structure lay an underutilized car park occupying the entire courtyard. The architects seized this opportunity, transforming asphalt into vibrant workspace. &Mica designed a striking new building within the courtyard—one that stands in sharp contrast to its neighbour yet creates a harmonious dialogue. Together, these structures form a cohesive whole: contemporary offices of varied sizes, each with exceptional spatial quality. The timing was crucial. Since Tegel's airport closure, the district faced decline. This project represents a broader commitment to revitalize the neighbourhood and restore its cultural vitality. Within the existing building, the conversion strategy proved elegant: beyond essential structural repairs, the key intervention was opening up the attic level in 2018. Exposed roof trusses against the steep gable create an interior rich with character. Strategically placed skylights flood the space with natural light, making the crisp white walls and floors luminous. The expansive upper level functions as flexible workspace—a vast open-plan office or subdivided into multiple units as needed. The former post office counter hall has been reimagined as a vibrant event space, enhanced by a new mezzanine. The ground floor houses "Beydes," a thriving co-working community.

The true showstopper is the new courtyard building. This asymmetrical structure—part uncompromising cube, part sculptural form—narrows gracefully as it rises. Clad entirely in weather-resistant, flame-finished wooden slats, it stands as a striking black monolith. It delivers additional office space tailored for co-working, flexible tenancy, or custom configurations. The timber-hybrid construction makes ingenious use of limited space. The five-storey volume tapers strategically—not just at the upper levels but also stepping back progressively from ground floor upward—creating an impression of visual lightness. The paved courtyard has been partially reclaimed for green spaces, transforming sealed surface into verdant gathering areas. The result: three critical urban wins—intensified development, adaptive reuse, and a meaningful contribution to the city's green infrastructure.

www.undmica.de

Photography Credits:

Schramm Office for Design, Thomas Heimann

(Published in CUBE Berlin 04|23)