Havelufer Quartier is located in Spandau, on the western edge of Berlin. The site was a brownfield industrial area with green characteristics, and a listed industrial landmark - the 1940’s Carossa factory - at its centre. The main purpose of the redevelopment is to create a diverse residential area with a wide range of housing typologies, recreational areas, and public facilities in the re-used landmarks. This mixture of 2000+ new apartments with several urban squares and green spaces will create a lively city from the outset. The plot WA1 brings together 482 homes in three different apartment types: affordable, market rent, and senior living, achieving diversity amongst both age groups and income. The apartments have views towards Lake Maselakebucht, and a public green park as part of the project. The façades of each the buildings have small setbacks in the volumes to help identify entrances while avoiding long monotone walls. Towards the courtyard, the building volumes step down to meet a more human scale, creating pleasant social, recreational and green common areas with ample daylight.

Sustainable vision for the area

The areas between buildings focus on biodiversity, adding an organic, biological dimension to the urban fabric, that will be available to all inhabitants. The green spaces are easy and economical to maintain. A number of initiatives in the interests of sustainability and a shared economy have been implemented, such as exchange centres for books and furniture. Green roof areas support the microclimate, retain stormwater and help to avoid the “heat-island” effect of new developments.