Humboldthafen Eins

This contemporary, highly sustainable and energy efficient office and commercial building boasting 30,000 m² of office space and 300 underground parking spaces occupies a 6,000 m² site between Alexanderufer and Kapelle-Ufer in the Mitte district of Berlin. It is situated in close proximity to Hauptbahnhof main railway station and within walking distance of the government quarter, the Federal Intelligence Service and the Charité hospital.

The architectural concept is expressed in a seven to eight-storey meandering structure with three inner courtyards, two of which face outwards towards the river. The raised base levels (-1 to 01) create clear spatial boundaries that merge well with the surroundings. An open, free-standing stairwell underneath connects the Hugo-Preuß bridge with the arcade and water front. The central courtyard offers public access to the water.

On the upper floors (from level 02), the courtyards open up to the outside, allowing attractive views. The façade cladding is made up of precast, glassfibre concrete panels of varying sizes and thicknesses. The playfully arranged panels are slanted to one side, creating an exciting interplay of light and shadow. It should be noted that the building was planned in compliance with German Sustainable Building Council criteria and was awarded DGNB platinum certification.

KVL was responsible for all project management services according to AHO and was in close coordination with the client and the planners.