Arno Brandlhuber is revered for transforming brutalist buildings into radical live-work spaces, and San Gimignano, in east Berlin, cemented his reputation. The two slim industrial towers were built in the 1950s by the GDR to process graphite, and in their abandoned state reminded the architect of the medieval city of San Gimignano. The main, habitable tower stands 42.6 metres high, its raw concrete structure left exposed. Brandlhuber’s practice b+ reworked the interiors between 2018 and 2021, and it now provides around 300sqm of internal space arranged vertically.
An industrial hub reimagined for contemporary working and living, with its structure largely intact, the building retains its original mass and proportions. At ground level, a double-height workshop reaches up to 14m. Above, a series of smaller levels are fitted for office, archive and living use, with underfloor heating, integrated services and extensive power connections.
Full-height openings bring light into the upper levels and frame views across the city, including towards Alexanderplatz. Two staggered roof terraces sit at 37.2m and 42.6m above ground.
District heating, fibre internet and provision for an external lift are in place on the 960sqm plot, and current planning provisions offer additional development potential. The property is listed for sale for €1.7 million with Poetic Walls.
