In Marzahn, a new residential quarter was developed directly along the Wuhle green corridor, within the Seelgrabenpark section. The design draws inspiration from two sources: its prime location beside the park and the traditional perimeter block typology of the surrounding residential buildings with their verdant interior courtyards. The park stretches along the south edge, while the built structure frames the north, west, and east. Since the site lacked basic infrastructure upon acquisition, the existing road required extension before construction could begin. The six-story building adopts a U-shaped footprint. Its open side faces south toward the park, with the two wings of the U slightly splayed outward to maximize light penetration into the courtyard. The interior façades feature undulating balconies that echo the organic rhythms of the natural landscape.

Sweco designed the complex for Howoge, the housing association and development partner. A multidisciplinary practice, Sweco delivers architecture and engineering expertise across spatial and environmental planning, water management, energy systems, industrial projects, transport, infrastructure, and building design. The residential complex contains 133 apartments in a carefully balanced mix: 17 one-bedroom, 48 two-bedroom, 32 three-bedroom, 30 four-bedroom, and 6 generous five-bedroom units—each adhering to rigorous size specifications. Half the units are fully accessible; the remainder feature threshold-free entry. The ground floor hosts a commercial tenant—now a popular café with terrace seating. Sustainability is woven throughout: the flat roof splits between extensive green plantings and a substantial photovoltaic array that supplements district heating to meet the building's thermal needs, achieving Kfw 40 energy certification. Parking includes 38 underground spaces for cars and nearly 300 bicycle parking spots. The verdant inner courtyard flows seamlessly into the surrounding parkland, effectively extending the public green space while providing dedicated areas for urban gardening and a spacious children's playground. A sophisticated filtration system captures rainwater for storage in a large retention basin. Built from reinforced concrete and masonry, this project exemplifies intelligent, sustainable residential design.

www.sweco-gmbh.de

Photography:

Thorsten Eichhorst
www.thorsten-eichhorst.com

(Featured in CUBE Berlin 04|24)