Setting the standard in sustainable urban design

Neu Schöneberg

Berlin, Germany

Nestled between buildings dating back to the 19^th Century and a large disused railway, Neu Schöneberg is a new urban neighbourhood that will consist of 300 rental apartments, retail units, a kindergarden as well as leisure facilities when completed.

The site was formally a railway yard, and lies on the Bottleneck Park which is part of the north-south green corridor. The development has views across a unique landscape that features a diverse population of trees and the old railway line. Buro Happold worked closely with the developer and design team to develop a plan for the new urban district, delivering a masterplan sustainability strategy and urban district certification.

The masterplan takes inspiration from its surroundings, mirroring layout, building levels and use of public space

The plan comprises 300 apartments, retail units, a kindergarden and leisure facilities

60% reduction in CO2 for the overall project in operation

Challenge

A key element of the project was to develop a holistic sustainability strategy that works on both the urban and building level.

Solution

The masterplan incorporates the Bottleneck Park area and the existing infrastructure, delivering a spatial and aesthetic design that compliments the environment and existing buildings. The residential areas are located on the upper floors to give occupants full advantage of the surrounding area, with commercial spaces located on the ground and first floors. The design derives inspiration from the buildings to the West to provide unity, taking on similar heights, courtyards and a robust Berlin block structure.

To achieve the DGNB certification, our team has incorporated a progressive energy concept, utlising a central CHP, renewables and waste water heat recovery. These solutions have resulted in a 60% reduction in C0₂ for the overall project. The development has been awarded a DGNB Platinum pre-certification and is aiming for full certification by end of 2018.

Value

The development’s park location and superb infrastructure connection, along with the addition of public courtyards, ensure a peaceful, green escape within the urban realm. Incorporating sustainable design principles throughout, the project is currently the highest rated DGNB pre-certified urban district.

Our approach to the masterplan and sustainable design has led to the creation of a new urban district that will provide residents with contemporary living space within a unique community.

Thomas Kraubitz, sustainable masterplanning expert at Buro Happold