Eiswerk, Berlin, Germany

GRAFT was commissioned to convert and redevelop a former ice factory on the banks of the River Spree in the Mitte district of Berlin. Located close to the Ostbahnhof train station, the development features a new residential building with commercial units on the ground floor and an additional commercial building with underground parking facilities.

The factory is part of an industrial area that stretches from the River Spree to Köpenicker Strasse. Home to lumberyards and lumber markets in the 18th century, it was later bought by the Norddeutsche Eiswerke A.G. (North German Ice Works Company), who constructed a residential and industrial complex with two courtyards on the street side of the plot—and which is now listed as a protected building.

The existing residential building along Köpenicker Strasse will be renovated and partially converted into smaller units and brought in line with current housing standards.

With a focus on retaining its original industrial character, the former cooling house will be converted into a commercial building with two office units on each floor. Devised as spaces for group working, each office will be equipped with a kitchenette and a lounge area.

Further office space will be created in a new building that spans two volumes, offering flexible layouts and adaptable as individual and group offices. The entrance and reception areas to these offices will be situated on the ground floor—along with a restaurant and other commercial, cultural and exhibition spaces.

A second new building will close the current gap on Köpenicker Strasse, adding a front building and side wing to the existing cross-building. This will create a total of 34 apartments and two additional commercial units.

With the Eiswerk, GRAFT is creating a modern, inner-city quarter that complements the existing building stock and revitalizes the area around the former ice factory while paying heed to its long history.