A splash of color in Reinickendorf surprises many visitors. This is Siedlung Paddenpuhl. It is a testament to expressionist architecture. Let’s explore this unique residential area.
Siedlung Paddenpuhl arose from a pressing need. Reinickendorf grew rapidly between 1925 and 1930. The population increased by 23000 people. Construction began in 1927 to address the housing shortage. The Heimstättengesellschaft Primus mbH built the settlement.
The construction of Siedlung Paddenpuhl occurred in two phases. The first lasted from 1927 to 1929. The second took place in 1936 and 1937. Fritz Beyer primarily designed the buildings. Josef Scherer and Erich Dieckmann contributed during the second phase. Erwin Barth designed the outdoor spaces.
Originally, the area was named after a pond. Paddenpuhl means “frog pond” in Low German. Later, it was renamed Breitkopfbecken. The settlement’s layout centers around this basin. Today, Siedlung Paddenpuhl has 557 apartments.
The buildings of Siedlung Paddenpuhl stand three to four stories tall. They feature hipped roofs and plaster facades. What truly sets them apart is their colorful design. Windows display multiple colors. House corners and loggia frames are equally vibrant. The buildings create a striking contrast with the existing bay windows through jagged arches and colorful columns.
The Klemkestraße once ran through the settlement. However, the Berlin Wall’s construction in 1961 changed this. The street lost its connecting function. It abruptly ended behind the railway bridges.
After war damage, some buildings needed reconstruction. In 1951 and 1952, the GSW rebuilt the houses along Kopenhagener Straße. They followed the original floor plan. Due to economic hardship, they omitted decorative elements.
A Litfaß column was erected in 1951 and 1952. It gained historical monument status in 2019. The Deutsche Wohnen owns the Siedlung Paddenpuhl today. They renovated the windows and doors between 2016 and 2017. The district awarded Deutsche Wohnen the Bauherrenpreis for this renovation.
Siedlung Paddenpuhl offers a contrast to the nearby Weisse Stadt. While the Weisse Stadt embodies New Objectivity, Paddenpuhl embraces expressionism. Erwin Barth’s landscaping integrates seamlessly. The Breitkopfbecken and Klemkepark add to the area’s appeal. Siedlung Paddenpuhl stands as a unique architectural landmark in Berlin. Its colorful details and expressive design make it unforgettable.