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Site Choice
Site Choice
After visiting the three potential development sites within Friedrichshain, Berlin, Pinnacle Management Solutions proposes a mixed-use development on the second site, 20 Strasse Der Pariser Kommune.
We have recommended Site two as the best option for the client’s development due to the site’s location in relation to other upcoming developments in the area and the large, accessible site which allows enough space for a mixed-use development. As much of the site is already cleared, demolition and preparation costs will remain low. Planning permission and a slight change to the land-use is likely to be granted as it is similar to other agreed plans for the area.
Site 1, 58, and 59 Warschauer Strasse, Berlin does appear to have multiple large cracks to the front elevation and the gable end that are a cause for concern as this may be due to subsidence. The heritage of the property must also be considered due to its age and location. Any restorations may be costly to restore following the correct requirements and materials choices. Access to the site is also difficult due to the surrounding buildings and construction work would cause a great disruption to the neighboring properties and businesses. As the property is still in use as a hotel, it may be more difficult to begin works as vacant possession would likely need to be obtained. Any lease contracts would need to be checked and compensation agreed upon before the client should purchase the land.
Site 3, Raw-Gelande, Revaler Str. 99, is in a busy, attractive location. However, issues may have been faced maintaining the railway tracks and station façade. The site is already very popular and plans may have been opposed by local residents who hope to maintain the charm of the area and avoid gentrification.
Development Plans
The proposed development for the site will be mixed-use and hopes to maintain the heritage of the area while meeting the Friedrichshain district's need for more affordable housing and the country’s overall aims for sustainable development.
The existing building will be reconfigured from a derelict Aparthotel into a mix of 1-3 bed affordable residential apartments for local residents including our target demographic of young families and professionals. The ground floor of the building will be converted into retail units for small independent businesses such as a greengrocers, laundrette, and hairdressers for local resident use. Shop frontages will face the main road where footfall should increase new to other planned developments in the nearby vicinity.
In the new-build structure, the ground floor will be split into allocated parking for the residents with electric charging points to meet the client’s sustainability brief, planning regulations, and future needs of residents, with retail to the remaining ground floor. The above floors will be a mixture of office space and retail including food and drink outlets.
To connect the existing building with the new structure, the rain-screen cladding will be used not only to provide a consistent aesthetic tying the two buildings together but also to provide thermal comfort and an energy-efficient envelope. Although the two structures are built using different materials, by retaining the concrete shell of the existing building and selecting a cheaper steel frame alternative for the new structure, the overall appearance of the development will be unified.
The central recreational space between the two buildings will be landscaped to create an amphitheater seating area, a children’s play area, and open green space for occupants of both buildings as well as the community. The amphitheater provides an economic opportunity as the space can be rented out to local theatre companies and for food, music, and art festivals in the area.
Amelia O'Hara (RE) & Kirsty Peach (QS)
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