On Arkonaplatz in Berlin-Mitte, zanderroth and project developers from SmartHoming are realizing a multifamily apartment building - ARKONA 1A - made of lightweight concrete that features 14 apartments and one commercial unit. The joint venture is located in the heart of the city, between the green stretches of Mauerpark and Nordbahnhof park, in the middle of the historic Rosenthaler Vorstadt’s pulsing urban life. The building’s calm location is exceptional—an oasis with urban flair in the midst of the capital city, in the jewel of a square that is Arkonaplatz. At the intersection between the popular districts Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg, a new space for living and recreation is being created. Another prominent neighbor is the Berlin Wall Memorial, a national monument.

The Arkonaplatz apartment building is made of lightweight concrete poured on site. The detailing is minimalist, which lends the structure an unusual and self-confident expression. Its discrete color scheme allows it to blend in naturally with the surrounding neighborhood. Every floor features ample windows opening generously to the square and the city. Stretching from floor to ceiling, the windows contrast with the building’s visible solidity. The modern lightweight con-crete used for the facade serves both loadbearing and insulating functions, which eliminates the need for additional insulation. The building’s sustainability is grounded in the longevity of its materials. Solar collection facilitates low energy costs in winter, and the storage capacity of the mass wall con-struction ensures pleasant indoor climate during transitional seasons.

The generous apartments boast clear and classical floor plans featuring three or four rooms, an open kitchen, and two bathrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows open the light-filled living and eating spaces to the outdoors. All apartments can be reached comfortably and accessibly via elevator, and all their rooms feature upscale furnishing and underfloor heating. The ground floor features a garage with six parking spots. Storage rooms and bicycle parking are available in the basement and ground floor.