The rooftop’s transformation into a sky garden, complete with lush greenery and wraparound terraces, offers an undeniable upgrade in user experience. We’re also taking advantage of the opportunity for rainwater retention and, in consultation with conservation authorities, can install photovoltaic panels on the roof of the additional technical services unit located at the top of the building. The naturalistic, terraced design of the building continues at its base between the entrance and the water’s edge. The landscape architects of Topotek1 have reimagined this outdoor area as an organic landscape of steps and terraces, providing considerably more seating and gathering opportunities at the entrance level. Given the relatively narrow distance between the entrance and the riverbank, the tiered design creates a sense of spaciousness. This thoughtful reconfiguration and improved quality of stay also benefit the adjacent dining areas. Along the length of Stralauer ONE, these combined efforts create an atmospheric riverside promenade that’s a considerable win for public value.

We are preserving the building’s striking reinforced concrete structure, whose signature mushroom-shaped column heads ensure an optimal balance between load distribution and spatial efficiency. Ceilings and columns remain unclad, only plastered where needed and finished with light paint, ensuring the structural character of the listed building remains visible. The most significant element of our design is the repositioning of the two access cores, opening up a 30-meter-wide, light-flooded space –  the “translucent center” mentioned earlier.

This is the most prominent and impactful change, but it’s not the only way we’re living up to our project’s motto: soft shell, hard core. The existing building fabric – with its brick walls and concrete columns – conveys a sense of (historical) strength, and we’ve intentionally preserved that solid “hard core” impression. But we’ve also leaned into the “soft” side by opening up the building with a multilayered facade made of transparent and translucent mesh materials.

Technical innovations are another key aspect of the project. The cavity floor, for example, conceals much of the building services, including MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) and HVAC systems, offering spatial, infrastructure, and aesthetic benefits. Another standout feature is the dedicated bicycle elevator, which connects riders to bicycle parking on every floor (24 spaces per standard floor in separate bicycle rooms). Underground car parking provides up to 100 spaces, including EV charging stations.