Built between 1919 and 1927 Kleinhaussiedlung Johannisthal stands before you. It’s a testament to a time of social change and architectural innovation. Imagine a Berlin recovering from the Great War. People needed homes affordable homes. This housing settlement in Johannisthal offered just that.
The Kleinhaussiedlung Johannisthal wasn’t just rows of houses. It was a community. Several building societies and housing associations collaborated on its construction. Architects like Bruno Ahrends Bruno Taut Ernst Engelmann and Emil Fangmeyer contributed their designs. The result is a mix of architectural styles reflecting the period’s diverse tastes.
Early houses were simple even made of wood. Later constructions reflected the Bauhaus style. These homes weren’t just functional. They provided running water sanitation and electricity. These were luxuries for many at the time. The Kleinhaussiedlung Johannisthal was a beacon of progress.
Interestingly the first houses built near Oststrasse were quickly nicknamed “Negerdorf” by locals. This was because families returning from former German South West Africa Namibia settled there. Many brought their African wives. The name was later changed to more neutral names like Fennsiedlung or Kleinhaussiedlung Johannisthal.
The Kleinhaussiedlung Johannisthal was more than just homes. It was a self-sufficient village. Residents could buy goods locally. There was a colonial goods store a hardware store a soap shop a bakery and even a doll clinic. Life was self-contained within the settlement’s borders.
Prominent residents included Clara Bohm-Schuch a leading SPD social politician. The painter Siegfried Klapper spent his childhood here. Franz Fischer and his wife ran a colonial goods store and served as the unofficial photographer for the nearby Johannisthal airfield. Many early aviation photos are credited to him.
While the Kleinhaussiedlung Johannisthal’s centennial wasn’t officially celebrated Lars Mönch a resident created a commemorative booklet. He collected stories and photos from his neighbours. The booklet documents the settlement’s rich history and the lives of its residents. The Kleinhaussiedlung Johannisthal remains a unique and fascinating piece of Berlin’s history. It offers a glimpse into a time of rebuilding and hope. A time when architects and community builders sought to provide affordable and decent housing. A reminder of a time when homes meant more than just shelter they were the heart of a community.