Three structurally identical yet distinctly characterized residential and commercial buildings now line Waldowplatz and Waldowstraße in Oberschöneweide. Rather than standing directly adjacent, they're spaced along the street toward the Spree, separated by existing row-style buildings—a strategy that strengthens urban density. Designed by Wernecke + Jahn Architects and completed between 2019 and 2021, the three structures form an elegant sequence, strung together like pearls on a thread.

The original commercial building at Waldowplatz was demolished to make way for a new commercial structure serving the GWG "Berliner Bär" housing cooperative. The second building is a 16-unit residential complex, while the third—slightly more modest at seven units—anchors the street's end. Together, these two residential buildings provide 1,960 m² of living space. All three feature polygonal footprints with gently rounded corners that allow them to nestle harmoniously into their urban context. The commercial building's pentagonal form is particularly thoughtful: three facades align with adjacent streets, while the remaining two run parallel to the surrounding fabric. Staggered setbacks across three levels on the southeast side create two terraces that capture views away from the plaza. Totaling 830 m² of commercial space, the office building welcomes visitors through a prominent plaza-facing entrance that opens into a soaring two-story atrium. A sculptural open staircase connects the upper floors, while strategically positioned cylindrical skylights flood the interior with natural light. Service functions—lifts, mechanical systems, and facilities—are discretely positioned on the south facade. The residential buildings take a different approach: rather than staggered floors, they feature continuous balconies that extend living space outward.

www.wernecke-jahn.de

Photography Credits:

Friedrich Kreyenberg

(Published in CUBE Berlin 02|22)