Rear courtyard living is a Berlin tradition, and this particular project is full of delightful surprises. Designed by Wolff Architekten, the garden house on Strelitzer Strasse in Mitte replaces what might have been expected—a historic backdrop—with strikingly contemporary architecture. The courtyard was originally cluttered with aging garages and storage sheds. Once cleared away, the quiet inner courtyard revealed its hidden charm: mature trees, unobstructed sunlight, and an almost rural character despite its urban location. Here, the architects envisioned a bold four-storey modern structure that stands confidently as an independent statement.

The cleanly proportioned building integrates seamlessly into the courtyard through its restrained, functional design language. The ground floor opens to the courtyard and features a glazed communal foyer. By stepping back the top floor, the architects created a generous terrace that sits among the treetops. Green glass mosaic tiles clad both the ground floor and the stepped storey, catching and reflecting sunlight deep into the courtyard. Between these sits a central white-rendered volume with softly rounded corners—a touch that softens the building's overall presence. This monolithic construction using aerated concrete bricks eliminated the need for conventional thermal insulation, a thoughtful approach to the building envelope. A green roof tops the new structure. Inside: three residential units and flexible office space on the ground floor. Each rental apartment offers distinct floor plan options and private balconies, while expansive glazing ensures abundant natural light even within this protected courtyard setting.

Alongside the new garden house came a complete reimagining of the outdoor spaces. Beyond naturalistic perennial plantings, the redesign introduced over 50 m² of shared gardens for residents. The adjacent daycare facility also gained new outdoor play space. Both the historic garden walls and the new building's roof received green treatments, reinforcing the site's verdant character.

This project illustrates how rear courtyard living can evolve—modern, contextual, and deeply urban. The new building delivers attractive, quiet residential space removed from street noise. Beyond that, residents gain a thoughtfully designed landscape and plaza that enriches daily life. Rear courtyard living emerges here not as a nostalgic remnant, but as a vital urban lifestyle, reimagined for contemporary needs.

www.wolffarchitekten.com

Photography Credits:

Johannes Armanazi

(Originally published in CUBE Berlin 01|20)