Gloria or how do modern working environments get along with sustainable construction and listed buildings?

Construction in existing buildings

Listed buildings do not generally have the reputation of being particularly sustainable, economical or even innovative. In fact, exactly the opposite is the case because preserving old building fabric is protective of resources per se. And the example of Gloria on the Kurfürstendamm in Berlin also shows that contemporary, high-quality construction in existing buildings is also possible in terms of energy efficiency and building technology.

The world-famous boulevard in the heart of the capital is characterised by its colourful mix of venerable Wilhelmenian era buildings and post-war modernist and present-day architecture. It is precisely this unconventional mix of styles that makes the atmosphere on the Ku’damm so unique.

House number 15 is located not far from the Memorial Church at the upper end of the boulevard. A prestigious, stately Wilhelminian-style building from 1889, it is fully listed. Originally constructed as a residential and commercial building, it was extensively refurbished between 2016 and 2020. The house, which was most recently used as a hotel, has exuded the splendour of days gone by since early 2021, both inside and out. As such, it has not only preserved an important element of Berlin’s architectural history but has completed a trendsetting building par excellence at the same time.

In the course of the extensive construction work, the historical substance was preserved as far as possible and was restored to its original condition. Additions with high-quality authentic materials were required in only a few places. The roof, the neo-baroque façade, doors and windows, as well as the stairs were repaired and restored in accordance with today’s technical requirements. After the restoration, stucco ceilings with paintings that have been uncovered, imposing wooden ceiling panels and exceptionally ornate tiled stoves bear witness once again to the magnificence of the Wilhelminian era. Essentially, the fire and noise insulation measures had to be upgraded.

The renovation was carried out under the auspices of the team from the Petra and Paul Kahlfeldt firm of architects in close cooperation with Berlin’s monument protection authority and the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). The DGNB’s certification system has been very well-established in new construction for years and is among the most respected certification programmes worldwide. What is far less well known on the other hand is that the DGNB process also takes account explicitly of the specific requirements of listed buildings.

As a result, Gloria am Kurfürstendamm is the first listed building to have been certified by the DGNB. Plus, with platinum it has achieved the DGNB’s best possible certification.

Generali Real Estate is delighted to be able to enrich its Berlin portfolio with this exceptional property in a prominent location.