Whispers of Prince Joachim linger. They echo through the walls of Gewerbebau & Stall & Remise & Wohnhaus Joachimstraße 11A. This building stands as a testament to Berlin’s layered history. Today we will uncover some of its secrets.
Gewerbebau & Stall & Remise & Wohnhaus Joachimstraße 11A has a captivating past. Once, a ballroom building stood here refurbished by Schinkel. It could accommodate up to 1000 people. Aquatic ballet performances were held here. Imagine the spectacle. However, like many buildings in the former GDR the building was demolished in 1967. Only the entrance hall remains.
Before the ballroom era, Gewerbebau & Stall & Remise & Wohnhaus Joachimstraße 11A was a tabagerie in 1870. People gathered to buy pipes and smoke tobacco. Drinks flowed freely. Later, Prince Joachim acquired the property. He constructed a small pleasure palace. Legend says he used a tunnel to visit women.
Today, the spirit of innovation thrives at Joachimstraße 11A. David Chipperfield Architects’ Berlin office resides here. The original building a piano factory from 1895 has been expanded. Four new volumes reinterpret the courtyard’s situation. The design balances pre-war charm and a post-war vision. Simple cubic volumes create independent structures. They transform the courtyard into a flowing exterior space.
The front building houses offices and a private residence. A four-story middle building and a garden building extend the existing structure. Generous meeting and office spaces are provided. A two-story middle building serves as a canteen. It fosters a campus-like atmosphere.
Monolithic walls of insulating concrete define the space. They support, insulate and protect. Large windows offer diverse views. Interior finishes are simple. Polished screed flooring hand-painted wooden panels and veined marble create a refined atmosphere. Peter Wirtz designed the exterior space. It provides a counterpoint to the architecture.
Interestingly, the building remained relatively undamaged during World War II. But maintenance was neglected for decades. Redevelopment began in the 1980s. Buildings were demolished and reconstructed. The streetscape was refurbished. Squares and green spaces were remodeled.
Buchholz Berlin a now-closed cafe was once located nearby at Joachimstraße 20. It embodied the area’s creative spirit. The cafe featured rustic wooden tables elegant chairs and well-designed tableware. A small garden provided fresh produce. The building’s rich history was palpable. Two wall paintings by Kaulbach remained.
Katja Buchholz the founder aimed for minimal design. The focus was on the natural beauty of the wood. She was influenced by her time at Chipperfield Architects. Simplicity functionality and elegance were key.
The essence of Gewerbebau & Stall & Remise & Wohnhaus Joachimstraße 11A lies in its ability to blend history with modernity. From pleasure palace to piano factory to architectural studio this location embodies Berlin’s ever-evolving spirit. As you continue your tour remember the layers of history beneath your feet.