The task was to design a residential unit on top of a turn of the century tenement in the district Mitte in Berlin. Due to the relatively small footprint of the existing building it was possible in limits of construction law to distribute the living space on two levels without having to extend the main staircase to the last floor.
The first level contains the rather public areas of the apartment, like the living room, working spaces and guest rooms which can, if required be used as a separate apartment.
Through a two story high hall the first level is connected to the more private second floor which houses a large bedroom.
Owing to the quite low height of the historic building in comparison to the neighboring structures there was the need to close the facade of the first floor against insights.
This areas open up to a almost totally enclosed patio.
The facade of the second level, overlooking the adjacent buildings, opens up to the city, with glass walls.