Highrise Stieglitzweg

Gropius’ problem district transferred to the modern age

Sustainable complete renovation of a 14-storey residential building.
The facade, as an essential part of the building envelope, fulfills not only the design but also ecological, economic and social functions. Energy efficiency is an essential prerequisite for achieving the climate protection goals in Germany. GEHAG / Deutsche Wohnen AG is currently setting a good example: they refurbished the first residential high-rises in Berlin’s Gropiusstadt in terms of energy efficiency and visually upgraded it with a contemporary facade design. In the background, the substructure, which minimizes thermal bridges, consists of “L” -shaped stainless steel wall brackets and the ALWI-S profile system from SYSTEA for energetic protection at passive house level and economical installation.

There may be different opinions on living in high-rise buildings and large housing estates. In particular, Gropiusstadt in Berlin Neukölln, which emerged in the 1960s, has long been considered a social hotspot. Architect and Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius planned the satellite town with around 18,500 apartments, 90 percent of which were built as social housing. Gropiusstadt has been becoming increasingly attractive again for several years. The vacancy rate is in the single digits. There is a lively neighborhood in many houses and floors. In addition, the apartments are flooded with light through the large window fronts and often offer a sensational view of Berlin on the upper floors.