‘Wave’ – Berlin’s New Waterfront Apartment Complex

Located on a former harbour along the Spree River in Berlin, Germany, lies a new residential complex.

It’s known as ‘Wave’, and not only sits next to the Spree but engages with it in both name and design.

Wave has been designed by German architecture firm GRAFT, which was established in 1998 in Los Angeles by Lars Krückeberg, Wolfram Putz and Thomas Willemeit.  Their approach to design has revolved around an interest in crossing the boundaries between disciplines and “grafting” the creative potentials and methodologies of different styles and tastes.  This cross-breeding of style is done with the experience of designing a wide array of building types including fine arts, educational, institutional, commercial and residential facilities.

The minds from GRAFT used the river as inspiration to put Wave together, designing the complex to reference the waves and flowing motion of water movements.  The two L-shaped buildings facing one another to create an inner courtyard, and as a result the façades offer as much exposure to the Spree and its spectacular views as possible.

This is what sets Wave apart from other water-side apartment buildings.  Its design allows as many tenants as possible the chance to enjoy the very thing that drives people to purchase or visit waterfront property.  Around 70 per cent of Wave’s 161 apartments have a decent view of the Spree.  GRAFT have also opted to give the building maximum glazing, which works to provide residents an uninterrupted view of the southern sun.

GRAFT’s intention for each of Wave’s apartments is to cater for as many different lifestyles and preferences as possible, and so the apartments come in a large variety of sizes and styles.  Apartments range from 1.5 rooms of 27 square metres all the way to five room apartments at 156 square metres, and even includes penthouse and mezzanine apartments, all with access to a private garden, measuring between 206 to 296 square metres.

It is also GRAFT’S vision that Wave become a complex that offers as much convenience to its residents as possible.  E-mobility and car-sharing options for long-term mobility are being sought after for the area as well as a Paketbox parcel service for e-commerce.  The buildings will provide an on-site concierge service, which can also be accessed virtually through their web system.  The apartments themselves will include a smart home system which can be controlled from outside as well as inside, allowing residents to adjust their living comfort while on the move.

Wave has been dubbed a ‘green oasis’ in Berlin because of the gardens and vegetation between its two buildings, and has hopes to become the example and inspiration for Berlin’s future in building design and human experience.

The building is projected to be completed in 2018.

SOURCE: The Urban Developer
POSTED: August 26, 2016
AUTHOR: Staff Writer