Although it is located in Berlin’s Kreuzberg locality, it is actually named after the season in English. This is because the housing was built after the war with the support of the USA. In 2016, it was time to make the housing estate ready for the future, from top to bottom.
When renovating the 18 high-rise buildings with around 1,300 apartments, the main focus was on improving energy efficiency. For example, the windows and the thermal insulation of the exterior walls, the cellar and the attic were refurbished.
To this end, green roofs were created on two buildings to allow rainwater to evaporate. In summer, this helps to keep apartments cool while also improving the urban climate and air purity.
In addition to the building refurbishment, the outdoor areas were also redesigned. The three inclusive playgrounds in the estate are a particular highlight. They are characterised by the fact that children in wheelchairs can also enjoy them. For example, there is a high sandpit and a bridge that is easy to use with a wheelchair.
But the other outdoor areas also reflect the effort that went into planning and implementation: there are insect-friendly wildflower meadows as well as marked snack and fragrant gardens, where the plants are edible. This means that the children in the neighbourhood can experience nature with all their senses. Covered bicycle parking spaces and charging stations for electric cars were also installed.
Photos: Georgios Anastasiades
