The Becker & Kries group of companies celebrated the topping-out ceremony for a residential construction project in Sodener Straße in Berlin-Wilmersdorf on 15 July 2026. This marks significant progress in the realisation of a sustainable residential quarter. The project involves the careful infill development on the site of an existing residential quarter from the 1960s. Six new residential buildings are being constructed, providing a total of 123 residential units, which will be built using innovative timber-hybrid construction methods.
The project combines the creation of urgently needed housing with aspects of sustainable and land-efficient urban development. Approximately 25 percent of the new apartments will be rent-controlled. The range of apartments extends from 1- to 5-room units, with a focus on family-friendly layouts. The completion of the buildings and the occupancy of the first residential units are planned for no later than the end of May 2027. Marketing of the apartments will begin in September 2026.
Stefanie Frensch, Board Member at Becker & Kries, commented on the project's progress and emphasised the company's responsibility as a long-term owner to contribute to housing creation through its own projects. She highlighted that conscious new paths are being taken with the infill development and timber-hybrid construction, and thanked all project participants for their commitment and cooperative collaboration, especially as the construction work has so far been accident-free.
Statements from district and senate representatives
Christian Gaebler, Berlin's Senator for Urban Development, Building and Housing, praised the project as an important contribution to housing creation. He highlighted that it serves as an example of how infill development can be achieved in an established quarter using resource-efficient timber-hybrid construction. He noted that 123 new apartments are being built in a good residential location, potentially offering a new home to over 250 people. Christoph Brzezinski, District Councillor for Urban Development, Property and IT at the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf District Office, emphasised the successful combination of much-needed housing, sustainable construction, and high-quality urban development. He particularly highlighted the proportion of 32 rent-controlled apartments and the focus on family-friendly layouts. He expressed his delight at the topping-out milestone achieved and its positive impact on the quality of life in the district.
Sustainability and construction method
The new buildings are being constructed using a resource-efficient timber-hybrid method. The ground floors and stairwells are built in solid construction, while the upper floors consist of prefabricated timber elements. This high degree of prefabrication allows for shorter construction times, a reduction in emissions on the construction site, and a minimisation of inconvenience for local residents. The buildings meet the Efficiency House 55 standard. Climate-friendly energy supply is ensured by district heating and photovoltaic systems operating under a tenant electricity model. A proportion of the 77 car parking spaces will be equipped with charging infrastructure. Digital methods such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) were already used in the planning phase to integrate planning, execution, and logistics, and to optimise material usage and construction processes.
- —123 new apartments in six buildings
- —Timber-hybrid construction with a high degree of prefabrication
- —Approximately 25% rent-controlled apartments
- —Meets Efficiency House 55 standard
