The building at Knesebeckstrasse 3, one of the best locations in Berlin’s City West, in its original form was a negative example of 1960s architecture. A revitalization of this building by retaining the original design concept was therefore not acceptable. Shortly after acquiring the building, we asked several architectural firms to present design proposals. The proposals submitted were unsuitable, however.

In order not to lose valuable time, the overall design concept and all significant design details were conceived by us. A third party planning firm had the task of creating drawings and obtaining a permit according to our instructions. The new design corresponds with our basic approach, which focuses on the requirements of future tenants early in the planning phase.

The building’s new architecture is inspired by successful examples of classical modernism and the International Style. The aluminum façade – finished in a dark bronze tone – features floor-to-ceiling windows. For this type of architecture, a consistent appearance is important. Thus, instead of employing external sun protection devices we chose effective sun protection glass for the windows in combination with internal sun-blinds.

The original reinforced concrete wall between the entrance foyer and the car lane that leads to the car parking facilities was replaced by large windows and cross-shaped columns clad in polished steel. The materials used for the car lane and the foyer are of equal quality. Thus, it was possible to generate a sense of spaciousness that is unusual for a property of this size and a key to the redevelopment’s success.

With the exception of the ground floor retail space, the building was vacant when we started construction, so the building was stripped to its shell and then reconstructed with our new design concept. Today, it has nearly the quality of a newly constructed building. Within less than six months after its completion, the building was fully rented.

Basics