Footbridge on the Water Residential Building – LOVE Architecture and Urbanism in Berlin

The Footbridge on the Water Residential Building, designed by LOVE architecture and urbanism, is a striking housing project located in Berlin’s Grünau district. Completed in 2021, this 4864 m² residential development draws inspiration from the Dahme River’s natural beauty, merging modern living with water, light, and community. With 28 residential units, the project redefines waterfront architecture, blending nature, materiality, and urban design into a harmonious living experience.

Design Concept – Inspired by the River Dahme

The central idea behind the design is to maximize interaction with the river landscape. The Dahme is known for its exceptional natural quality, serenity, and recreational value. To capture this, the architects introduced a large-scale pier or footbridge, extending eight meters deep in front of the building.

This bold gesture creates a hybrid space, functioning both as private outdoor terraces and as communal zones. It allows residents to enjoy panoramic river views, while encouraging social interaction, leisure, and a sense of community—a concept that the architects describe as a “bathing lake effect.”

The Footbridge – The Soul of the Building

The footbridge is more than just an architectural feature; it defines the building’s identity. It acts as both the visual face and the social heart of the project, connecting people, views, and experiences.

The walkway provides direct access to each apartment while also serving as an extended living space. Residents can enjoy:

• Expansive riverfront views
• Open-air leisure spaces
• Seasonal and daily light variations
• Unique shadow play across different levels

Materiality – Wood, Aluminum, and Concrete

Three carefully chosen materials shape the architectural language:

• Wood: Symbolizes nature, rafts, and watercraft, reinforcing the connection to the river.
• Aluminum: Sleek, reflective, and modern—mirroring shifting colors and light of the surrounding environment.
• Concrete: Adds strength, durability, and natural depth, grounding the building in its riverside context.

This balanced material palette creates a dialogue between tradition and modernity, nature and urban life.

Living Experience – Apartments with Dual Orientations

Each of the 28 apartments is designed with two cardinal orientations, offering both northeast river views and sunlit southwest exposures. Features include:

• Spacious balconies and outdoor areas
• Large folding-sliding walls for indoor-outdoor living
• Integrated plant troughs for resident gardening
• Strong seasonal light experiences

By opening up to the outdoors, the apartments transform into fluid living landscapes, merging interiors with the expansive depth of the footbridge.

Vertical and Horizontal Connectivity

At the core of the building lies a vertical circulation shaft, directly connected to the footbridge. This allows residents to seamlessly transition from communal spaces to private homes.

The walkway levels vary in layout, creating dynamic perspectives, visual connections, and playful shadows throughout the day. This architectural layering emphasizes movement, interaction, and discovery.

Landscape and Surroundings

Designed in collaboration with ManMadeLand, the landscape architecture reinforces the building’s connection to water and greenery. The natural riverfront environment complements the minimalist, yet warm architectural expression, offering residents a true sense of retreat within the city.

• Project Name: Footbridge on the Water Residential Building
• Location: Grünau, Berlin, Germany
• Architects: LOVE architecture and urbanism
• Year: 2021
• Area: 4864 m²
• Residential Units: 28
• Engineering: Lorenz Consult ZT GmbH
• Landscape Design: ManMadeLand
• Photography: Jasmin Schuller

The Footbridge on the Water Residential Building by LOVE architecture and urbanism is a powerful example of waterfront residential design in Berlin. It celebrates the river Dahme’s natural beauty, strengthens community through shared spaces, and creates a seamless connection between architecture and nature. Through its innovative footbridge design and material palette, the project stands as a modern interpretation of urban riverside living.

All photographs are works of Jasmin Schuller