Daniel Libeskind Designs Apartment Building for Berlin

Via Studio Libeskind

By Penny Munoz

With notable presence already in the city, American born architect Daniel Libeskind returns to Berlin, unveiling his latest project for Chausseestrasse. In contrast to his previous Berlin project, a Jewish Museum, this eight-storey building will provide new shops at ground level and 73 residences on its upper storeys.

Via Studio Libeskind

Set for completion by 2015, the proposals reveal unique, asymmetrical windows that will increase residents’ exposure to natural light. With this as a fundamental aspect in the design, apartments are ultra-modern with double-height living rooms and terraces that overlook the cityscape.

Via Studio Libeskind

Praised for his ability to create 73 stylistically forward one- to four-bedroom apartments on a rectangular plot less than half an acre long while accommodating for retail space, underground parking and a common outdoor area, Libeskind is said to have exceeded expectations by producing designs for a building that is all that and more. Though the penthouse apartment is one of the building’s main attractions, featuring a floating stairway that ascends to an open-concept living area with 21 foot ceilings, the beautiful cladding offers room for commendation as well.

Via Studio Libeskind

Designed with Italian company Casalgrande Padana, the exterior sheathing of the building consists of a three-dimensional stoneware tile that creates a distinguishing metallic pattern of geometric ceramic panels. The best part? These panels are completely sustainable with technological properties like air-purification, and they’re self-cleaning!

Brimming with excitement, Libeskind commented that "Even as my studio is often called upon to design skyscrapers these days, I continue to love to build homes, the basic unit of human life."