Renovation and extension by GRAFT

Two new buildings that reinterpret the concept of brick architecture in a contemporary way have been added to the existing and partly heritage protected brick commercial premises from the early 20^th century. A new, multi-faceted district that is open to the public has therefore been created across a total area of 32,000 m² with a number of interconnected inner courtyards. The individual building units each have their own unique character, but are united by the brick material that they all share in common. The existing buildings originally used for commercial purposes can still be identified as such.

The two newbuilds are particularly striking perimeter block developments, lending the ensemble its characteristic appearance in keeping with the other buildings on the streets where it is located – Hauptstraße and Belziger Straße. Both residential buildings are reinforced concrete structures enveloped by punched brick façades with strikingly large windows that were constructed using the Schüco AWS 75.SI window system. The advantage of the highly thermally insulated system is its wide range of uses as a punched window, ribbon window, façade insert unit or in combination with the Schüco door systems – an important aspect due to the diverse requirements in the multifunctional building complex.

The building façade on Hauptstraße is set back in steps on the upper storeys, while the windows, which are framed in golden boxes, seemingly project out further and further towards the street. This is actually an optical illusion, as all the windows and boxes are in the same plane. A striking, organically organically curved entrance seems to want to draw passers-by into the complex. As you walk through it, you pass historic existing buildings with aluminium/glass façade units that have been optimised for future use by means of the highly thermally insulated FWS 50.HI mullion/transom system.

The second newbuild is situated on Belziger Straße on the opposite side, elevated on pillars in order to preserve the former gatehouse as a historical highlight at ground level and integrate it into the complex. Organically curved balconies are positioned in front of large-scale window and door openings, which are also constructed using the AWS 75.SI system. For the large doors, the ADS 75 HD.HI aluminium door system and ASS 70.HI sliding and lift-and-slide system were used – all in the highly thermally insulated versions.