Sehw Architektur’s Vision for Modern Living Spaces

In the bustling heart of Berlin, the challenge of affordable student housing has prompted innovative solutions in the outskirts. Sehw Architektur, led by the visionary architect Xaver Egger, has recently completed a student housing project in the burgeoning district of Oberschöneweide. Commissioned by Berlinovo, the city-owned housing company, this development comprises 159 flats, addressing the escalating need for accessible living spaces for students.

Urban Housing Dynamics

The housing project responds to the surging demand for affordable student accommodations, a prevalent issue in the central areas of Berlin. The strategic move to the outskirts, specifically in the up-and-coming Oberschöneweide district, aligns with the city’s commitment to creating new living spaces for this demographic. Berlinovo’s initiative, part of a broader framework agreement for serially produced residential buildings, was born out of a conceptual competition organized by the Association of the German Housing Industry to encourage innovative ideas.

Keystone in Block Development

Situated at the heart of a block development, the student housing building designed by Sehw Architektur acts as a keystone, completing the existing urban fabric. Characterized by a monolithic appearance achieved through the visually equal treatment of wall and sloping roof areas, the design also introduces a color scheme that divides the building into two parts. This interplay of volumes and surfaces harmonizes with the surrounding scale and proportions.

Façade Dynamics and Spatial Comfort

The façade’s playful dynamics emerge from the slight horizontal shift of window rows, infusing the structure with both lightness and individuality. The design not only prioritizes aesthetics but also ensures a high level of comfort for residents. The eat-in kitchens of the apartments and shared flats, oriented towards the circulation and communication zone, foster a sense of community. The communal areas are strategically designed to encourage openness and social interaction, contributing to a vibrant living experience.

Compact yet Spacious Living

Despite the compact nature of the apartments, Sehw Architektur maximizes the perception of space through large window elements that flood the interiors with daylight. Prof. Xaver Egger emphasizes the project’s commitment to a modern and functional mix of student apartments, contributing significantly to the sustainable transformation of Oberschöneweide. The completed building not only addresses the pressing demand for student housing but also serves as an architectural anchor, enriching the district’s urban fabric.

In conclusion, Sehw Architektur’s innovative design approach has not only met the practical needs for student housing but has also made a lasting contribution to the evolving landscape of Oberschöneweide, embodying a vision of modern, functional, and inclusive living spaces.