The new Königstadt quarter is centrally located between Alexanderplatz and Volkspark Friedrichshain. The project was named after Königstadt, one of 17 historic Berlin districts, which was located in Mitte from 1873 until the formation of Greater Berlin in 1920 and where the outskirts of the districts of Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain now meet. Designed by Tchoban Voss Architects, the residential complex blends into the urban atmosphere and simple bar structures around Mollstraße with its timeless, calm architecture and varying eaves heights, continuing the typical perimeter block structure by echoing the alignment of the existing buildings.

The ensemble consists of a ten-storey block, the top of which is marked by two additional storeys in the style of a tower. A six-storey, offset extension brings the eaves height back to the historic Berlin standard and flanks the entrance to a shared courtyard on Barnimstraße. At the other end, the ground floor and upper floor connect the building to its neighbour. Apart from various commercial units on the ground floor, the building consists exclusively of apartments.

Despite its size, the complex appears light and open thanks to the floor-to-ceiling, generous window fronts and the extensively glazed ground floor. The elaborately designed, vaulted cornices made of coloured, special architectural concrete form a flowing line with the balconies, loggias and floor-to-ceiling windows, lending the façade plasticity and tension. The horizontal emphasis is reinforced by the narrow continuous balustrades, which, together with the rhythm of transparent and opaque glass elements, give the volume a distinctive character.

The new building features 117 rental apartments ranging from two to five rooms. Expansive green roof terraces and continuous balconies running the full height of the façade create exceptional living standards. The interior courtyard encompasses nearly 600 m² of verdant landscape, complete with mature trees, lawn areas, and dedicated children's play zones. Beyond technical and storage facilities, the underground parking accommodates 41 vehicles. Additional amenities include over 240 bicycle parking spaces distributed across dedicated facilities on the basement and ground levels, as well as throughout the courtyard.

www.tchobanvoss.de

Photography:
Klemens Renner
www.klemensrenner.com

(Published in CUBE Berlin 03|21)