Fasanen 36 Apartment Block in Berlin by CAMA A

Located in the prestigious district of Charlottenburg in Berlin, the Fasanen 36 Apartment Block byCAMA A represents a refined model of urban densification and contemporary residential architecture. Completed in 2023, the six-storey residential building introduces approximately 1,100 square meters of new living space on a compact 240-square-meter garden plot, addressing Berlin’s ongoing housing shortage through strategic inner-city development.

With a total built area of 1,750 square meters, the project demonstrates how infill housing in Berlin’s traditional block structure can be reimagined while respecting historical context and urban morphology.

Re-Densification of the Berlin Block Structure

Fasanenstraße stretches nearly two kilometers through Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, historically characterized by villas and townhouses that contrast with Berlin’s dense perimeter block typology. Over time, war destruction and postmodern reconstruction reshaped parts of the urban fabric, leaving certain interior garden plots underutilized.

In alignment with Berlin’s current planning agenda promoting sustainable urban densification, CAMA A proposed a new multi-storey residential building within the block interior. The project reactivates a previously underdeveloped site above a former underground car park, reinforcing the perimeter block while preserving green qualities.

This intervention is not merely architectural but urban, strengthening the block edge and creating a coherent ensemble with the renovated existing front building.

Architectural Concept: Materiality and Light

The new structure is anchored to an existing firewall, forming a solid extension within the urban fabric. The façade composition balances restraint and warmth:

• Light grey-green plaster on upper floors
• Iron mica green metal railings and window frames
• Exposed concrete at ground level
• Dialogue with neighboring brick firewall

This carefully calibrated palette responds to the surrounding greenery and historic brick textures, creating a calm yet contemporary residential identity.

Large-format windows and generous balconies open the apartments toward a park-like garden courtyard, enhancing natural light and ventilation. The result is a bright, welcoming atmosphere that extends from exterior to interior.

Flexible Residential Layouts and Loft-Like Living

The development includes 15 apartments and one expansive penthouse with rooftop terrace views across Berlin’s skyline. Interior design emphasizes spatial flexibility:

• Load-bearing exposed concrete walls and ceilings
• Finely leveled lightweight partition walls
• Floor-to-ceiling doors
• Integrated fitted kitchens

The contrast between raw structural concrete and refined interior elements creates a loft-inspired aesthetic. Partition walls and built-ins function almost as inserted furniture pieces, allowing residents to adapt layouts to evolving living needs, a key feature in contemporary urban housing design.

Complex Construction Logistics in a Dense Urban Site

One of the project’s greatest challenges was site access. The existing front building had no direct street-level access to the rear garden plot, only underground entry to the car park. This required careful coordination of demolition and construction logistics above and below the existing structure.

The former underground parking facility was removed, and a new underground car park integrated into the development. This process reflects advanced planning strategies necessary for inner-city residential construction in Berlin’s dense neighborhoods.

Urban Ensemble and Architectural Continuity

Beyond the new building itself, the existing front structure was renovated and visually harmonized with the new development. Together, they form a cohesive architectural ensemble connected by the shared firewall, bridging past and present.

The project exemplifies how contemporary apartment architecture in Berlin can integrate sustainability, urban density, and contextual sensitivity without compromising spatial quality.

All photographs are works of  hiepler, brunier,