Revitalisation Measures for a Historic High-Rise in Berlin

These durable concrete elements ensure the building's extended lifecycle while simultaneously modernising the building envelope with an architecturally appealing design.

The listed office building housing the Senate Department for Urban Development, Construction, and Housing on Württembergische Straße underwent comprehensive renovation. Emphasis was placed on resource-efficient construction and extending the lifespan of the ageing structure. The facade refurbishment featured 3D glassfibre reinforced concrete elements from Rieder. The suspended elements are honest in materiality and exude a timeless charm, in keeping with the listed status. This created a sophisticated synthesis between heritage preservation and contemporary architecture. By reusing the existing structure, the original form was retained, grey energy conserved, and no additional land was sealed.

Kahlfeldt Architects elegantly met the client's requirements - BIM Berliner Immobilienmanagement - through holistic building planning that considers future operational and maintenance costs, comprehensive pollutant remediation, and the goal of achieving silver certification for sustainable construction while respecting the building’s heritage.

"The Württembergische Straße 6, as a 1950s building, came with many surprises, some only discovered once construction began. Alongside pollutants and structural damage, the challenge was harmonising the heritage office's regulations with the demands of a modern office building," said Alin Schwarzkopf, project manager at Kahlfeldt Architects.