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. Today, following extensive modernisation work, the historic ensemble has been restored to its former glory.
After several years of construction, the modernisation measures in the Railway Estate are now complete. The complex comprises a total of 360 flats, which have been renovated to improve energy efficiency and comprehensively modernised. 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 measures also resulted in the creation of 46 new apartments, providing new, modern living space.
Special attention was paid to energy-efficient renovation: the measures implemented have reduced annual CO₂ emissions by around 582 tonnes – a saving of around 48 per cent compared to the situation before the renovation, reports Christian Wildermann, Technical Asset Management Team Leader. A total of around €62.5 million has been invested in the facility since the modernisation began in 2019.
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.
