Schönes Reuter

Welcome to the construction site of the Reuter CHP plant – an industrial, trapezoidal-shaped plot nestled between train tracks to the east and a building complex to the west. To the south, the site is bordered by a Spree harbour, while to the north it is surrounded by trees.

Our linear building concept optimally utilises geometry and orientation, thereby allowing for an efficient use of space while also simplifying potential future expansion. The southward orientation towards the Spree ensures that the office spaces open up to the west or the east for maximum natural light.

The building sits atop stilts – a reference to its industrial surroundings that resembles the existing pipeline and coal conveyor bridges. This design sets it apart from the massive nearby buildings and plants while at the same time ensuring the soil on the site remains largely unsealed. The second floor extends over the existing pipeline bridge and houses the cafeteria with an unobstructed view of the Spree.

Category

CompetitionsOffices

Location

Berlin-Spandau

Typology

CompetitionsHospitality / Food + BeveragesOffices

Status

Competition, 2nd place

Timeline

2023

Orientation and expansion

Our concept for the Schönes Reuter competition references the aesthetic of the industrial bridges through its elevation and facade design. The modular facade allows for prefabricated construction that uses recycled sheet metal of various thicknesses, with thinner sheet metal used for cloakrooms and successively thicker metals used for offices and the cafeteria.

This means the facade is not only a design element, but also offers subtle indications of the different building uses. The concept features different window formats and shapes in order to ensure optimal lighting, ventilation and unobstructed views. Skylights in the cloakrooms provide light while maintaining privacy, and round windows in the cafeteria reference the shapes of smokestacks and industrial tanks.

The elevated structures are expanded through “add-ons”, including a stair bridge to the Spree and separate stairs that reference the coal conveyor bridges located on the site. These elements are gentian blue in colour, making them clearly visible and helping to establish the Schönes Reuter building’s identity.

The second phase comprises additional offices and conference rooms that are added in a linear direction. The expansion will be built in the same way as the first phase and can be implemented without any issues while the building is in use. Conference rooms with a transparent facade will be located on the ground floor. The facade of the two upper floors corresponds to that of the first phase, resulting in a uniform appearance.

Structure

The entrances to the utility areas, including delivery, technical rooms, and the waste disposal areas, are all located on the ground floor. Parking spaces for cars and bicycles are protected from the elements and located under the elevated structure. Easily accessible cloakrooms for external and internal employees are located on the first floor.

The second floor houses offices and the cafeteria, with two compact staircases and lifts for circulation and as emergency exits. A separate cargo lift will be used for deliveries to the cafeteria. A roof terrace extends over the cafeteria. A pergola will be installed on the terrace to provide adjustable sun protection.

Ground plan 2nd floor

The building concept is based on a prefabricated construction method with repeating grid dimensions. Construction costs are kept low through the use of repetitive construction elements and extensive prefabrication. The building’s foundation reduces the amount of excavation required, underscoring the sustainable and cost-efficient construction approach.

The building is energy efficient and climate friendly thanks to its compact concept, planned facade construction using recycled materials, green roof, and natural, diverse landscape design.