Information about the EXPO 2000 project
As a registered project at EXPO 2000, the GSW Haus is a successful example for the harmonious integration of mankind, nature and technology.
The headquarters of GSW Immobilien GmbH are located on Charlottenstraße 4 in Berlin Kreuzberg, close to the old Checkpoint Charlie site.
Designed by Sauerbruch Hutton architects and completed in 1999, the new building adds three sections to an existing high-rise dating from the 1950s: around the "old" 17-storery high-rise office, and the new pillbox, low connecting building and 22-storey high-rise slab. In total, the complex provides some 23,400 square metres of office and retail space - including around 1,700 square metres for shops and restaurants - along with 900 square metres for special uses (conference zone, etc.). The building complex also offers are 163 underground parking spaces and a mechanical parking system for 228 cars.
Designed by Sauerbruch Hutton architects and completed in 1999, the new building adds three sections to an existing high-rise dating from the 1950s: around the "old" 17-storery high-rise office, and the new pillbox, low connecting building and 22-storey high-rise slab. In total, the complex provides some 23,400 square metres of office and retail space - including around 1,700 square metres for shops and restaurants - along with 900 square metres for special uses (conference zone, etc.). The building complex also offers are 163 underground parking spaces and a mechanical parking system for 228 cars.
High-rise slab (western façade)
The building, highly praised in the specialist press for its urban planning and architectural qualities, also impresses with its sustainable energy concept. A striking element of this concept is a convection façade on the western side of the building, which forms the centrepiece of a natural ventilation concept. Coloured shading elements that can be moved from window to window combine to create the constantly changing façade. Combined with floors on each storey that serve as storage elements and the ability to exploit differences in day/night temperatures, energy savings of up to 40% are achieved. The GSW Haus represents the first attempt to use large-scale passive - i.e. architectural and structural - measures to significantly reduce the energy consumption in a high-rise office building.
Building complex comprising low building, pillbox, office tower and high-rise slab
The provision of satisfactory working conditions in a building in the centre of a large city normally involves high levels of energy consumption: office buildings are equipped with air conditioning systems in order to guarantee a high quality of occupancy and clean air. However, the GSW Haus not only offers unique engineering and ecological features, but also sets forward-looking standards with regard to flexible rental arrangements.