Spore Haus impresses with its clean architectural language, innovative use of recycling materials and harmonious integration in its urban environment. AFF Architekten have received the renowned DAM Preis 2025 from the Deutsches Architekturmuseum (German Architecture Museum) for this place of meeting and cultural exchange in Berlin's Neukölln district.
| Type of Building | Education and research |
| Product areas | Windows Doors Facades |
| Schüco Systems | AWS 114 ADS 65.NI SP FWS 50 AD UP 75 |
| Features | New build |
| Location | Berlin, Berlin |
| Completion | 2021 |
| Architects | AFF Architekten |
| Specialist company | Hans Timm Fensterbau |
| Picture credits | © Tjark Spille |
Located on Neukölln's Hermannstraße, the building skilfully merges into the surrounding urban structure, which is characterised by neighbourhoods of older buildings and historical cemeteries. The height of the building structure is aligned with the neighbouring green spaces and block developments. The building is therefore integrated in this context, while also functioning as a striking feature of the urban landscape.
The façade and all of the mineral components are made from exposed red-pigmented concrete, bricks from demolished buildings and newly fired bricks. The building's colour is in keeping with the bricks of the nearby cemetery walls. The materials were deliberately left in their raw state and fabricated without elaborate coating. The resulting surfaces with their rough texture and robust character guarantee an aesthetic durability that develops over time and emphasises the foundation's closeness to nature. Durable commercial doors, floor-to-ceiling façade windows and all-glass façades from Schüco provide transparency and excellent thermal insulation.
The concept of being a “place of meeting” is the central idea behind the architectural design – both inside and outside. On the inside, the building invites you to explore with its flowing space in the foyer, a café, and event and exhibition areas. A visually striking feature is the honeycomb ceiling structure on the first floor, which spans the room without supports. Outside, between the Spore Initiative and the new building for Publix which promotes journalism in the public interest, there is an open forecourt which functions as a vibrant hive of activity. Just like the rest of the building, the atmosphere here is also one of open dialogue, where knowledge is shared and new ideas can be developed.
