Newbuild residential estate for 700 apartments

RBA was contracted to prepare and submit a planning application for a new build residential complex of 700 apartments, with a total gross external area of 65,000 m² on a 9 hectare plot of land.The main difficulty was in finding a way to amalgamate the various interests of the current users (allotments), the political interests of the local council and the interests of the owner and developer. The planning had to be based on the local planning law with building lines extrapolated from those first laid out in 1891-1904. RBA put a team of landscape planners, transport engineers, structural engineers and fire safety experts together.

Roof conversion

into 6 apartments, addition of external lifts and balconies, redesign of facades

RBA were appointed as general planner for planning, permission and realisation of a conversion project in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg. The residential turn of the century building includes a front house with side wing and a rear building. The existing roof construction is to be replaced by a new construction including on-top roof terraces, cut in terraces and dormers for 6 new, generously appointed apartments. Additional lifts and balconies are another plus factor of these modernisation measures. After regulatory considerations and planning RBA have submitted the planning application, to be followed by detailed planning, tender process and the site supervision to completion. As general planner RBA provide MEP, structural engineering, health & safety supervision and in this case also project management services.

Refurbishment of residential apartments

The task involved planning and realising the design and fit out of high quality apartments for sale to individual buyers in a large complex of historical apartment blocks near Urbanhafen in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Many apartments remained occupied during the redevelopment. RBA were called on to remodel vacant apartments and to remodel individual apartments according to tenant fluctuation.

A major refurbishment of central services, common areas and the conversion of the roof spaces was ongoing and RBA were required to co-ordinate the fit out with other consultants and the project management team.

The future owners’ additional requirements or alternative specifications were amalgamated into the planning and tendering processes, in agreement with the developer and his project manager.