Only 1.500 meters from Alexanderplatz, the former washhouse is located within the block of the famous 1960s ensemble known today as Karl-Marx-Allee. The single-storey utility building was converted for residential purposes and extended by two additional floors built with timber construction. The resulting ten residential units were designed according to holistic ecological and sustainable principles. The original structure of the building has been largely preserved and remains clearly recognisable through its plaster façade. The upper floors are characterised by freely arranged, primarily horizontal window openings. All apartments open up through large glazed surfaces onto spacious terraces and balconies. The two large residential units on the ground floor and first floor are occupied by the owners themselves. The remaining smaller apartments are intended for rental. The arrangement of two light wells in the basement area has created naturally lit rooms, which are used, among other things, as studios.
In the planning process, the highest priority was placed on a healthy living environment and a resource-efficient construction as well as on energy efficiency. The project was carried out largely using natural building materials characterised by their low primary energy consumption. In addition, clay, wood and cellulose are many times more moisture-regulating than conventional building materials and contribute to a stable, healthy indoor climate. Thanks to a vapor-permeable (breathable) construction method, the formation of mold can be prevented, making it unnecessary to use the mechanical ventilation systems otherwise typically required in low-energy houses. The materials used also provide excellent summer heat protection, preventing overheating during the warmer months.
