TIMBERHOUSE KUCKHOFFSTRASSE

Competition 2024, 2nd Prize

With this sustainable, innovative timber residential building in Berlin-Pankow, the German Federal Property Agency wants to create living space for its employees.

Sustainability is at the forefront of our design concept. In addition to environmental sustainability, this also includes social sustainability.

In terms of environmental sustainability, we have designed our concept to maximise the use of wood as a renewable building material. At the same time, the use of concrete, which emits carbon dioxide, is kept to a minimum. The superstructures of the ceilings, external walls and roofs are free of composite materials and, where possible, also made of renewable materials. Wood is left visible in all ceilings. All cladding is made from timber profiles.

There is no basement. Storage and technical rooms are located in parts of the ground floor and in the partially preserved former garages.

A renewable energy concept as well as the use of grey water and rainwater management form a self-sufficient technical infrastructure.

The social sustainability of the design is also reflected in the layout. Apartments of different sizes are possible, with interconnecting rooms providing flexibility in terms of size. The external staircase between the front building and the side wing is also a meeting place for the neighbours.

In addition to the communal garden with play and leisure areas, a communal roof terrace with greenhouse on the third floor roof of the side wing provides a meeting place for residents.
With its simple cubature, the quality of the façade design and access routes, our building blends naturally into its surroundings.