Modersohn & Freiesleben Architekten
Four residential buildings in Berlin-Schmargendorf
best architects 22
multi-family homes
Place
Berlin, Germany
Studio
Photos
Sebastian Schels
Description
Four houses, consisting of two typologies are
formed as a free-standing ensemble around an open block. The two houses with a
north-south orientation are axially symmetrical. The long façade of both
buildings forms an implied gable wall. The façade of the second building type
is oriented east-west and has small gable ends. The courtyard façade is
staggered with each recess creating a balcony. The internal circulation is
centrally located and cleverly distributed so that one vertical core serves
twelve apartments with considerable building depths of
between 22 and 26 metres, which is dictated by the development plan. The
staircases are all naturally lit. All flats have views in two directions via loggias
cut into the volume of the building. In addition to the striking visual effect
when viewed from a distance, the façades are also rich in detail. Clad in
light-coloured masonry with a rough finish, the window reveals and lintels are
accentuated with black and blue-grey glazed strips. The direction of the
clinker brick units is alternately rotated, becoming a fine fabric cladding the
houses.