At the beginning of the last century, the German Imperial Railway built its own estates for its employees. One such estate is located in Lankwitz, a locality within Berlin’s Steglitz-Zehlendorf borough. The estate has been extensively modernised in recent years.
Work on the ensemble, with its 365 apartments, is not yet fully complete. But a look at the facades, some of which are already new, shows the great progress that has already been made. Although the estate is not listed, it was treated as such when it was modernised. The double casement windows facing the street in Gallwitzallee have been preserved, with the other windows replaced by high-quality insulated glass windows with wooden frames. The staircases have been restored to their original appearance from the year of construction. The remaining facades will also be shining in new splendour soon. In the course of the final construction phase, 46 new apartments will also be built as a result of the attic expansion.
In addition to the comprehensive building renovation, the outdoor areas were also redesigned. Bee-friendly flower meadows and mixed perennial plants were sown, and communal areas with picnic tables and play areas were created. Tenants can plant their own herbs and vegetables in new raised beds and sign up to look after fruit trees. Each courtyard has its own colour scheme, which is reflected in the plants and furniture, to create its own identity.
The quiet and leafy location of the estate is also particularly attractive: Lankwitz community park is located in the immediate vicinity. This small yet beautiful park is adorned with old trees and its own pond. In addition, aviaries and animal enclosures with fallow deer, dwarf goats and Cameroon sheep make the park the ideal place for families to spend time.
