Berlin
SAPPHIRE by Daniel Libeskind
Berlin, Germany / 10.2014 - 03.2016
On behalf of Chausseestraße 43 Entwicklungs GmbH, the PORR Berlin branch acted as main contractor for the SAPPHIRE residential and commercial building by Daniel Libeskind. The contract comprised turnkey construction and overall planning from HOAI service phase V onwards. The building combines 73 residential units, commercial space and an underground car park under one roof.
Facts & Figures
Type
Residential construction, Commercial building
Runtime
10.2014 - 03.2016
Residential and commercial building with 73 residential units in Berlin-Mitte
Flats surrounding a landscaped inner courtyard
From the first to the sixth floor, two- and three-room owner-occupied flats with living areas ranging from 40 to 110 m² were created. Each of the 73 residential units features a private outdoor area in the form of a balcony or terrace. The flats are grouped around a lush, communal courtyard, which forms the project’s central open space and connects the different sections of the building.
Retail space on the ground floor
In addition to the residential use, retail space has been created on the ground floor. An Edeka supermarket occupies approximately 1,000 m² of this space. This means that residential and retail functions are physically interconnected within the mixed-use building.
Folded ceramic façade as a defining feature
A defining feature of Daniel Libeskind’s design is the building’s angular, folded ceramic façade. The façade elements were given a specially developed metallic coating, which alters the appearance of the surface depending on the lighting conditions. Large-format, asymmetrically arranged window areas further structure the building envelope whilst also shaping the design of the residential areas.
General planning and turnkey construction
In addition to the turnkey construction of the building, PORR was also responsible for general planning from HOAI service phase V onwards. The scope of work covered the 73 flats, the commercial spaces and the underground car park, as well as the associated Outdoor facilities. This meant that the planning and construction of the various areas of use fell within the agreed scope of services of the PORR Berlin branch.
Residential and commercial buildings in a single building concept
SAPPHIRE, a residential and commercial building in Berlin-Mitte, comprises 73 owner-occupied flats, around 1,000 m² of retail space, an underground car park and a communal courtyard. Living spaces ranging from 40 to 110 m², as well as private balconies or terraces, complement the layout of the flats. The folded ceramic façade and the asymmetrical window areas bring Daniel Libeskind’s architectural design to life in the building’s exterior.
