Didn’t this sunshine yellow building catch your eye immediately? This is Haus 1. It stands as a vibrant beacon within Berlin’s Atelier Gardens. It marks a sustainable transformation.
Haus 1 wasn’t always this eye-catching. Built in 1997, it was once a plain white office building. It did little to enhance the campus’s character. MVRDV, along with Hirschmüller Schindele Architekten, transformed it. Now, Haus 1 is an iconic symbol of the BUFA campus transformation.
The most striking feature of Haus 1 is its color. The sunshine yellow hue draws attention from afar. A zig-zagging yellow stair-scape leads to the roof. This stair-scape is dotted with seating and viewing platforms. From here you can see Tempelhofer Feld and the Berlin skyline.
The roof of Haus 1 features a timber pavilion. It is made of cross-laminated prefab modules. Bio-based materials and clay ceilings create healthy finishes. A living roof of native plants completes the rooftop. This green roof collects rainwater. It feeds into a water retention plan on-site.
Haus 1 prioritizes sustainability. Green landscaping and roof insulation reduce heat gain in summer. Sunshades on the glass facades also help. Low-temperature underfloor heating moderates the indoor climate in winter. Energy-efficient LED lighting and water-efficient sanitary fittings reduce environmental impact. Recycled rainwater flushes the low water-use WCs.
Inside, Haus 1 hosts adaptable work and meeting spaces. These spaces span four floors. Atelier Gardens headquarters and a café are also located here. The floor plans maximize flexibility. This simplifies future changes in use or layout. This extends the building’s lifespan.
Haus 1 shows how building transformations can do more with less. It reuses as much of the existing structure as possible. Durable, recyclable materials with a low environmental footprint were preferred when new materials were needed.
The transformation of Haus 1 is more than aesthetic. It represents a commitment to a different vision of society. One that is optimistic, radical, and innovative. It is a key addition to the Atelier Gardens.
Haus 1 plays a crucial role in attracting businesses to the campus. Its bright yellow color marks Atelier Gardens as a place of optimism. The transformation demonstrates that all urban buildings have potential. It shows that identity can be brought to former industrial buildings through color.