In Berlin, where discussions about housing shortages, rising rents, and long waiting lists are prevalent, a significant project in Weißensee is nearing completion, offering a concrete solution to these pressing issues. Located at Große Seestraße 109, the LA VIDA gGmbH has constructed a new residential building specifically designed for individuals who face considerable challenges in securing housing on the regular market.
First Residents to Move in by March
The first residents are expected to move into the new facility as early as March. These individuals suffer from chronic mental illnesses or addiction disorders and will receive comprehensive support within a supervised living framework. According to the project’s sponsor, the primary objective is not merely to provide shelter, but to facilitate stable living conditions that promote recovery and integration.
From Existing Site to New Development
The site at Große Seestraße has a history rooted in social work. In 2011, the former ZeitRaum gGmbH, now part of LA VIDA, acquired the property-a former prison-and established supported living facilities there. Recognizing the high demand for such services, the organization decided in 2020 to further develop the property and create additional housing units.
Funding for the new construction was secured in 2024. A promotional loan of 2.8 million Euros from the Investitionsbank Berlin was supplemented by funds from the “Sondervermögen Wohnraumförderung” (Special Fund for Housing Promotion). These subsidies were crucial in enabling the construction of barrier-free apartments and ensuring the building met the Effizienzhaus-Standard 55 for energy efficiency.
24 Timber-Frame Apartments: Designed for Community
The project comprises 24 apartments, totaling approximately 820 square meters of living space. Each apartment, roughly 30 square meters in size, includes its own bathroom and a small kitchen. The apartments are organized into eight-unit clusters, each sharing a communal kitchen, terrace, and garden access. Within each cluster, one apartment is fully wheelchair-accessible.
The two-story building was constructed entirely using timber-frame methods. Heating is provided by heat pumps integrated with PVT modules, which generate both electricity and heat. This innovative system operates without external outdoor units, ensuring a virtually silent operation.
Socially-Bound Housing in Berlin: More Than an Isolated Project?
LA VIDA gGmbH emphasizes that this new construction represents more than just an individual building. The project aims to demonstrate that socially-bound housing is achievable even amidst challenging conditions. Due to its non-profit status, the rent control for these units has been secured beyond the typical funding period.
The organization hopes that, in the long term, non-profit actors can play a more significant role in social housing, provided that political frameworks and funding instruments are appropriately aligned. The Weißensee project serves as a tangible example, injecting vitality into this ongoing debate.
Source: LA VIDA gGmbH
