Conversion Boulevard Berlin

Transformation of a single‑use department store into a lively and future‑oriented mixed‑use ensemble

A connecting diversity of workplaces, retail, gastronomy, and leisure within a single microcosm

Generous, daylight‑filled spaces created through eight new atriums that bring natural light deep into the building

A new workplace concept with flexibly combinable office areas from 500 to 20,000 square metres under the brand Bouro Berlin

Sustainable future concept, 100 per cent green electricity, BREEAM “Excellent” and LEED Platinum certification targeted

Schlossstraße in Berlin Steglitz has been a central shopping boulevard for decades. However, the former emphasis on vertically organised retail has lost relevance. With the refurbishment, Boulevard Berlin responds to these changing requirements and unites different uses into a resilient overall structure. The conversion of former retail areas on the first two upper storeys marks the core of the strategic repositioning.

“The concept takes advantage of the building's high ceilings to create inspiring and flexible new workspaces. The result is a new, vibrant urban hub that helps shape the neighborhood.”

Klaus Schmidt, Partner HPP Architects

One of the most defining interventions is the creation of new atriums, carved out of the existing structure. They provide natural daylight, add depth to the large building volume and transform previously difficult‑to‑use areas into urban and attractive workplaces and communal spaces. The atriums enable the new spatial organisation of future‑oriented office environments and become identity‑forming elements.

Boulevard Berlin is located in the heart of Steglitz, embedded in an established neighbourhood with cultural venues, gastronomy and parkland. Direct access to the U‑Bahn, proximity to the S‑Bahn, several bus lines and its own car park make the building an urban hub. The conversion project incorporates this role from the outset through its optimised mix of uses. The curved terraces at the northern end open towards the adjacent park and connect interior and exterior spaces into a cohesive urban experience.

The newly opened and energy‑optimised double façade with external solar shading improves both daylight conditions within the work areas and the internal climate, while integrating naturally into the urban context. Extensive roof greening increases the proportion of vegetation compared to the original state and enhances the microclimate. The reactivation of the existing structure is supported by modern building services, including mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery. The building is already supplied with 100 per cent green electricity and has been awarded the BREEAM sustainability certificate “Excellent”. A LEED Platinum certification is also being pursued.

The conversion of Boulevard Berlin demonstrates how a large‑scale existing building can be transformed into a contemporary mixed‑use ensemble. The reprogramming, the precise interventions in the building structure and the creation of Bouro Berlin as a new workplace form a building that is long‑term viable and identity‑forming. The transformation combines economic, ecological, and urban‑design aspects into a holistic project that highlights the future potential of existing urban buildings. 

Project

Conversion Boulevard Berlin

Location

Berlin

Client

Dunman Capital Partners

GFA

88.600 m²

Size

88.600 m²

Planning

2026

Uses

Retail, gastronomy, services, office

Certifications

BREEAM “Excellent” achieved, LEED Platinum targeted