Senior Living Architecture: Julia von Bodelschwingh Care House

The Julia von Bodelschwingh Care House, designed by kontektum architektur, is a pioneering example of senior living architecture. Located in Berlin-Westend, this 6,715-square-meter facility combines functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal to create a supportive environment for elderly residents and their caregivers.

A Harmonious Integration with the Urban Landscape

Situated at Georg-Kolbe-Hain, the building bridges the height difference between the Malteser Hospital to the south and residential buildings to the north. Its design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding urban fabric, preserving the historic entrance from Pillkaller Allee while nestling into a sloping site surrounded by pine trees and a park-like landscape.

Design Focused on Elderly Needs

The Julia von Bodelschwingh Care House features 72 rooms and 13 barrier-free serviced apartments, designed to meet the specific needs of elderly residents. The architecture prioritizes accessibility, comfort, and a connection to nature, ensuring a high quality of life for its occupants.

Three Distinct Sections for Functionality

The building is divided into three sections, each serving a unique purpose while maintaining a cohesive design.

Main Building: A Welcoming Entrance

The five-story main building on Pillkaller Allee includes a spacious two-story entrance hall, the "Foyer am Birkenhain." This elegant space, clad in wooden acoustic panels and shelly limestone flooring, serves as a gathering area for residents and hosts community events. The upper floors house barrier-free apartments with large glazed facades and continuous balconies, offering residents views of the park and Pillkaller Allee.

Senior Residence: Comfort and Community

The senior residence occupies two rear transverse sections, each three stories high. Wide corridors accommodate residents using walking aids, while one-room apartments feature private, barrier-free bathrooms. Large windows ensure that even bedridden residents can enjoy views of the outdoors. Communal living areas, including south-facing terraces and open kitchens, provide spaces for meals and activities, fostering a sense of community.

Basement: Optimized Infrastructure

The basement, embedded in the sloping terrain, houses service rooms and infrastructure, ensuring that the main floors are dedicated to resident comfort and care.

Facade Design: Aesthetic and Functional

The building’s facade features horizontal cornice bands made of precast concrete, creating a unified appearance. "Open" areas include windows, balconies, and loggias, while "closed" sections are finished with a rear-ventilated metal facade. This design reflects elements of the surrounding buildings, enhancing the structure’s integration into the environment.

A Connection to Nature

The Julia von Bodelschwingh Care House emphasizes a connection to nature, with barrier-free apartments facing the park and Georg-Kolbe-Hain. Communal areas with south-facing terraces and a rooftop terrace offer residents spaces to enjoy the outdoors and gather with others.

The Julia von Bodelschwingh Care House exemplifies the principles of senior living architecture, combining functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal to create a supportive environment for elderly residents. By integrating seamlessly with its surroundings and prioritizing the needs of its occupants, the building sets a new standard for senior living facilities.

All Photographs are works of Philipp Obkircher