The post office of the Schöneberg district appeared on Hauptstrasse at the very beginning of the 20th century, later a telegraph, a telephone exchange (not yet automatic) and even a "television room" were added to it, where those who wished could watch the programs that began in 1935 (their own television receiver was not practically available at that time anyone).
The ensemble between the Hauptstrasse and the Belzigerstrasse running parallel to it included a magnificent neo-Renaissance in German version, and functionalism, but all buildings were united by the material: brick. Therefore, when the GRAFT bureau undertook to revitalize them, they used this very material to impart coherence to the complex. After the completion of the renovation, new and renewed old areas have reached parity, and in total in the Bricks Berlin Schöneberg complex - 32,000 m2.
Video © Bttr GmbH
When the postal and telecommunications offices left these buildings, they already had the status of a monument, which limited the possibilities for reconstruction. The solution was to adapt their gable roofs for the new use, which significantly increased the usable area. From the side of the courtyard, windows appeared on the roofs, but it was impossible to make openings from the street: this would violate their historical appearance.
In these "mansards" modern interiors are combined with historic rafters and even "Renaissance" paintings from a century ago. But they are visible only to employees and visitors of these offices, but two residential buildings occupy a much more prominent place.
One, on Hauptstrasse, with parametric outlines of the entrance to the courtyard, pixelated clinker masonry and golden blocks of bay windows, adjoins the post office, not inferior to it in terms of the richness of the decor - although tastes have changed a lot over the past 120 years.
The second, on Belzigerstrasse, surrounded by solid apartment buildings, is more restrained, but it boasts an elegant outline of the balconies. It is interesting that in fact it starts from the second floor, and on the first there are preserved gates to the courtyard of the post office: two passages separated by a checkpoint - also, of course, brick. It now houses a street food stall.
Of course, in addition to offices and housing, Bricks Berlin Schöneberg now has restaurants, shops, a gym, a center for the study of Kabbalah and landscaped spaces, so the complex can be of interest not only to its residents and employees.
