POSTWERK

POSTWERK
Berlin-Tegel / Berlin
ProjectRenovation, conversion and expansion of a former post office building and the construction of a new courtyard building to create a modern office ensemble
ClientGlockenweiß GmbH
SizeApprox. 5,800 m² GFA in total
Time Frame2018–2021
ServicesHOAI service phases 1–8
StatusUnder construction
VisualisationTomi Maslovarić
PhotosThomas Heimann
In the new building, the office areas are arranged around an internal core of sanitary facilities.
Building out the attic in the old building increases the usable space, which is expanded further by a new five-storey building in the courtyard.
The prominent exterior of the listed post office building from the early twentieth century is retained.

A former post office in Berlin-Tegel has been completely renovated for conversion into a modern office building. In the rear courtyard, a new five-storey building was constructed as a contemporary annex to the existing listed building. The spatial programme of the new ensemble includes traditional individual offices along with a number of open coworking areas. In the former counter hall of the old building, the insertion of a mezzanine created additional floor area with a unique spatial quality. After being transformed, the attic is now also a versatile work environment.

A high degree of site utilisation was desired for the new building. The challenge for the design was to configure the relatively large volume in such a way that the courtyard does not seem cramped. A slightly asymmetrical shape with cantilevers above the ground floor made this possible. Window openings of different sizes give rich variety to the façades and enhance the building’s distinctive appearance. Its special hallmark is an elegant exterior made of jet-black larch that has been made durable and resistant by charring the surface.

In the former counter hall, a mezzanine opens up new perspectives within the expansive space.
The open, well-lit rooms provide optimal conditions for contemporary working landscapes.
A set-back storey and differently sized, freely arranged windows break up the compact overall form of the courtyard building.
The façade of the new building is made of vertical planks of charred larch – except at the recessed ground floor areas, where the wood is left untreated.