Description:

Choriner Höfe - The fine art of living

The Choriner Höfe at the edge between Prenzlauer Berg and Berlin-Mitte are at the centre of a working and living space for an intellectual elite that has lead a change in value of a whole community. A new urban boheme - web designers, bloggers, gallery owners, film makers, architects, musicians, jewellery designers or entrepreneurs of life / life managers - who have surrendered to this charming quarter, who have made it their personal hot spot. Where the young, stimulating spirit of the "Prenzlberg" meets the elegant Mitte-style new they develop projects, celebrate parties and start families. On almost 6.000 square metres nine houses with 116 apartments where built, which beautifully combine subtle luxury with the breathtaking atmosphere of one of Berlin's most exciting districts.



Urban Design & Dimensions
The fine art of living
Die Choriner Straße liegt zwischen der Schönhauser Allee,
einer der bekanntesten Einkaufsstraßen des Viertels und
der Kastanienallee, dem angesagten Laufsteg der urbanen
Boheme, den die Berliner scherzhaft „Castingallee“ nennen.
Hier kann jeder gern selbst entscheiden, ob er lieber in
Berlin-Mitte oder Prenzlauer Berg wohnen möchte. Denn
die Grenze zwischen den beiden Bezirken verläuft genau
hier. Kombinieren Sie einfach das Beste aus beiden Welten!
Den jungen, inspirierenden Geist des „Prenzlbergs“ mit
seinen unzähligen Clubs, Kneipen, Galerien, Designershops
und einer riesigen Off -Szene. Und das schicke, staatstragende
Berlin-Mitte, mit seinen touristischen Attraktionen,
dem Regierungsviertel an der Spree, den Spitzenlokalen,
Edelboutiquen und den Veranstaltungsorten der Hochkultur.


Four Architects, One Project
Life is returning to Choriner Höfe estate, a former brewery
compound in historic Berlin. Nine multi-family homes of
bespoke design are being raised here, to be completed by
mid-2011. The construction of these homes is progressing
swiftly, with the carcasses growing at a rate of one floor
every ten days. Construction work commenced in the spring
of 2009, and subdivides in four successive building stages:
The first two of these are slated to be realised by the end
of Q4 2010, while building stage three will be finished by
the start of Q2 2011, and the fourth and final stage at the
end of Q2 2011. The first residential units have already been
completed and are ready for occupation.
23,400 cubic metres of soil excavated
12.150 cubic metres of concrete
2320 tons of steel rebar
5.000 metres of geothermal drilling


Modesty and Clarity – Buildings 1 and 2
The design for Choriner Strasse 84 was conceived by architect
Frank Schiffer and originated in the idea to build a
sculptural, monolithic structure that would close an existing
gap site just so. “The idea was to use a clear, low-profile
language of form to invest the house with a strong sense of
self, and at the same time to use a differentiated volume
and classic proportions to make it sensitively blend with its
immediate neighbours.” Frank Schiffer and his team lavished
particular care on the selection of materials. “For the facade,
we chose a hand-crafted, mottled grey brick whose vibrant
surface contrasts nicely with the elegant anthracite
and sharp-edged wood-aluminium windows. On the basement
and attic floors, windows made of glazed larch complement
the materiality of the building.”


Authentic Architecture – Buildings 3, 4 and 5
Underlying the architecture of the Von Kathen und Wall urban
planning company is the idea that authentic architecture
never just expresses the spirit of one age but captures the
gist of all the ages. As a free-standing structure with sculptural
entrance portal, apartment building 4, planned by
these architects, occupies a prominent position within the
courtyard ensemble. The formal language that building 3
cultivates with its clear geometric glass facades, facing
south and west, contrasts charmingly with the surrounding
cityscape. Lavish sun-lit patios, balconies, and green rooftop
terraces connect interior and exterior to form a quiet and
green courtyard ambience. Tall ceilings, bright bathrooms
and kitchens as well as the absence of long corridors and
connecting rooms throughout inspire a sense of home that
cleverly combines functionality with exquisite comfort.



Modern and Contemporary – Buildings 6 and 7
Here, architect Friedhelm Haas designed a modern and
contemporary architecture that radically reinterprets the
typology of the surrounding 19th-century buildings with their
bay windows and loggias. The building’s cubic construction
creates a plastic corpus that integrates entrances, balconies
and bay windows. On the side facing Zehdenicker Strasse,
the house is fully clad in brick und connects to the early
modernist tradition of the 1920s. The irregularly patterned
brick clearly contrasts with the straight-lined architecture.
Starting with the second floor up, the brick cladding slightly
overhangs the two bottom floors in order to visually communicate
the two-storey basement structure. Floor-to-ceiling
windows on the southeast- and southwest-facing sided collect
ample sunshine. The brick cladding bestows a very expressive
monolithic air to the building.


Inspired by Classicism – Buildings 8 and 9
When the architectural firm Collignon realised buildings 8
and 9 on Zehdenicker Strasse, it opted for a modern style
centred on essential design elements and elegant proportions.
The basic lines of these buildings maintain a clear
and optically harmonised interrelation. In consideration of
their different significance within the Choriner Höfe ensemble,
we assigned distinct architectonic features to each.
Building 8, which forms the two-storey access to the interior
of the block, is highlighted by a facade studded with bay
windows. The architecture of Building 9 takes its cues from
the classicist style that inspired the surrounding buildings.
The apartments in these buildings have a permeable and
open character explained by the generous and convenient
residential floor plans.Material and surface: High-end classic
materials in warm hues underline the timeless quality of
the fit-out.




Architecture Concept

„Authentische Architektur ist nie allein durch einen bestimmten Zeitgeist gekennzeichnet. Vielmehr verinnerlicht sie den Geist aller Zeiten.“

Veronika von Kathen, Freie Architektin und Geschäftsführerin der Planungsgesellschaft von Kathen und Wall mbH
Choriner Höfe - Urban Design and Dimensions

Choriner Höfe, located where Berlin’s districts of Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte meet, marks the centre of the working and living space of an intellectual community that has embodied the changing values of an entire neighbourhood.

A plot of almost 6,000 square metres has become home to 9 buildings with some 100 flats that blend understated luxury and the atmosphere of one of Berlin’s most exciting districts into a breathtaking mix. Berlin’s inner city district of Mitte is characterised by classic, 19th century perimeter block development. Part of the perimeter buildings extend deep into the space of the block and exhibit the most varied interpretations of the Gründerzeit typology found in Wilhelminian Germany: front wing, side wings, and cross wing. This creates multiply fragmented private interior courtyards, partly of generous proportions.
Reduced Clarity – Buildings 1 and 2
FRANK SCHIFFER ARCHITEKT

The design of Choriner Strasse 84 was presented by the architect Frank Schiffer as an idea to create a sculptural building of monolithic shape to snugly fill a gap in the cityscape. “The building was meant to assert itself by its clear and reduced formal vocabulary and to blend sensitively into its immediate surroundings by its classic proportions and the differentiation of its volumes.”

Frank Schiffer and his team took particular care to select the right materials. “Handcrafted grey flamed tiles were used for the façade, where their lively surface contrasts with the sharp edges of the elegant anthracite wood/aluminium windows. The windows in the English basement and the attic, which are made of varnished larch, add to the materiality of the building.”
The Architecture of Authenticity – Buildings 3, 4, 5
PLANUNGSGESELLSCHAFT VON KATHEN UND WALL MBH

The architectural approach of Von Kathen and Wall’s urban planning firm is guided by the fundamental belief that, to be authentic, architecture, rather than expressing a given zeitgeist, must be imbued with the spirits of all ages.

The free-standing apartment building no. 4 with its sculptural entrance portal, designed by the architects, holds a position of sovereignty in the court ensemble. The desire for individualised living in an urban environment is developed in that two single-family houses, Building 3 and Building 5, flank Building 4.

The formal vocabulary of Building 3, including the clear, geometrised glass front facing south and west, creates an inspiring contrast with the cityscape. Spacious sun terraces, balconies, and greened roof decks form the connection between inside and outside spaces, creating the atmosphere of a quiet and green courtyard. All flats are accessible from a generously spaced entrance area, while this does not adversely affect the living spaces in the other areas. High ceilings on all floors, natural-light bathrooms and kitchens, and the conscious decision to dispense altogether with long hallways and walk-through rooms are creators of a living atmosphere that combines functionality and exquisite convenience in a clever fashion.
Modern and up to Date – Buildings 6 and 7
HAAS ARCHITEKTEN

Adopting a modern and up-to-date architectural approach, the architect Friedhelm Haas offers a totally new interpretation of the typology of the surrounding 19th century buildings by adding bays and loggias. The cubic construction design gives the body of the buildings a plastic appearance into which entrances, balconies, and bays are worked. The building façade overlooking Zehdenicker Strasse is fully clinker-clad and carries on the tradition of early Modern Architecture of the 1920s.

The irregular tiles offer a clear contrast to the straight lines of the architecture. To pick out a two-storey base of the building, the cladding of the second and higher floors is slightly raised with respect to the lower storeys. Floor-to-ceiling windows facing southeast and southwest let the sunlight in. The clinkered exterior makes the building monolithic and expressive. Windows are made from varnished oak, the attic wall and the barrel roof, of zinc plating. Interior materials were consciously restricted to white plaster or filler surfaces, slate flooring for the floors under heavier stress, and oak parquet for the extensions.
Of Classicist Inspiration – Buildings 8 and 9
COLLIGNONARCHITEKTUR

The architectural firm Collignon is the driving force behind the modern architecture of Buildings 8 and 9, focussing on essential design elements and elegant proportions.

“In their main features, both buildings relate to each other clearly and in visual harmony. However, in line with the difference of their importance for the ensemble of Choriner Höfe, we assigned them different architectural characteristics. Building 8, which forms the two-storey gateway to the inner spaces of the block, gets its special emphasis from the bays (or, “nests”) that highlight its façade. The architectural design of Building 9, on the other hand, follows the surrounding buildings of classicist inspiration and the smooth finish of the façades of the buildings in the immediate vicinity. The flats in the buildings inspire free-flowing movement and openness thanks to the generously and comfortably designed living spaces, the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the loggias and balconies.”
Important Advise:

The implementation actually carried out based on the design proposals, planning documents, 3-D visuals presented of the buildings in this brochure may differ from these latter in terms of what is found in reality, including the design and the surface area.

Presented materials, brands, and pieces of equipment are illustrative design proposals only and may vary as needed. Upgrades of implements and equipments are of course possible and will then give rise to an additional charge.


Location

The Choriner Strasse is situated between the Schönhauser Allee, one of the best-known shopping streets of the area, and the Kastanienallee, the hip catwalk of the urban boheme, affectionately called "Castingallee" by the Berlin people. Here, everyone can decide where they would rather live: in Berlin-Mitte or in Prenzlauer Berg. The borderline runs right through between the two districts. Why not combine the best of both worlds! The young, stimulating spirit of "Prenzlberg" with its countless clubs, bars, galleries, designer shops and huge off-scene. And the chic, state carrying Mitte with its tourist attractions, the government district at the river Spree, top restaurants, elegant boutiques and venues of high culture.


Lifestyle

The Choriner Höfe are a hot spot for people who have made the decision to lead a self-determined life. For people who not only buy but make brands; who want to be there when it happens. They have one firm belief: Now and today is the best moment to live. Particularly creative minds surrender to this charming quarter. Here they find space to live and work, develop projects, organise networks, celebrate parties und start families. Flair - if this term did no already exist for the area surrounding the Choriner Höfe it would have to be invented.

History Living

Until 1863 the Choriner Strasse carried the name "Hohlweg vor dem Schönhause Thor". With the construction of the tenement during the Industrialisation a typical Berlin working class district was created. Since the 1870s Berlin grew with breathtaking speed. In 1920 it was in the top three of cities with the highest inhabitant densities. When the Wall was built in 1961 the two close-knit districts of Wedding and Prenzlauer Berg were torn apart overnight. Unfortunately, under the East German regime the historical structural condition corroded over the years. This was the time when slowly this alternative flair emerged. Here, sub-cultures found enough space to thrive. This is where in the 1980s one of the main groups opposing the East German government was founded. After the reunification Prenzlauer Berg became one vast redevelopment area. Today, the largest quarter from Wilhelminian times in Europe is particularly attractive to Berlins young and creative elite.

The name "Choriner Strasse" is derived from a community in the Southern Uckermark, northwest of Berlin. There, the 750-years-old Cistercian monastery "Chorin" is found - one of the most important Gothic monuments in Northern Germany.

Prater
Oldest beergarden in Berlin. With its 800 seats it is one of the most popular places to meet particularly during summertime.
www.pratergarten.de

Konnopke
A famous snack point at the underground Eberswalder Strasse. It has been managed by the same family for four generations. Probably Berlin's best "Currywurst".
www.konnopke-imbiss.de

Synagogue Rykestrasse
Built in 1904 it is the largest in Germany. It provides room for 2000 people.

Jewish cemetery
Berlin's second oldest cemetery at the Schönhauser Allee. Last home to numerous Berlin characters of the 19th and 20th century.

Gethsemanekirche
Symbol for nonviolent resistance, former meeting place of the political opposition at the Stargarder Strasse.

Culture

Numerous art- and culture events have made Prenzlauer Berg what it is now: A lively quarter of cultural encounters. Here, at the border to Berlin-Mitte off and high culture make an exciting symbiosis.

Kulturbrauerei
The centre point of cultural life in the community on the premises of the former Schultheiss-Brauerei. Since 1991 theatre performances, concerts, readings, cinema shows, exhibitions and many parties have been happening here.
www.kulturbrauerei-berlin.de

Kulturzentrum Pfefferberg
Unique industrial monument, where concerts, dance performances and festivals are taking place.
www.pfefferberg.de


Finest Places

This popular area offers as many well-known places as insider tips where you will enjoy fabulous food and meet interesting people.

Café Fleury
Weinbergsweg 20,
10119 Berlin

Schwarze Pumpe
Choriner Str. 76
10119 Berlin
030/4496939

Restaurant Nola am Weinberg
Veteranenstr.9
10119 Berlin
030 / 44040766
http://www.nola.de

White Trash
Schönhauser Allee 6-7
10119 Berlin
030/80574748
http://www.whitetrashfastfood.com

St. Oberholz
Rosenthaler Str. 72a
10119 Berlin
030/24085586
http://www.sanktoberholz.de

Galão A Pastelaria
Weinbergsweg 8
10119 Berlin
030/44 04 68 82
http://www.galao-berlin.de/cafe/

Monsieur Vuong
Alte Schönhauser Str. 46
10119 Berlin
030/30872643
http://www.monsieurvuong.de

Café Gorki Park
Weinbergsweg 25
10119 Berlin
030/4487286
http://www.gorki-park.de

Zander (Kollwitzstraße)
http://www.zander-restaurant.de

Pasternak (Knaackstraße)
http://www.restaurant-pasternak.de

Anita Wronski (Knaackstraße)
Knaackstraße 26-28, U-2 Senefelder Platz