Homaris, a nationwide provider of serviced apartments, has expanded its portfolio in Berlin and opened K48 Studios in Berlin-Mitte. The property at Köpenicker Straße 48, near the Spree river and the East Side Gallery, spans approximately 3,000 square metres across seven floors and comprises 90 modern serviced apartments. Completion and commissioning took place in June after a construction period of three and a half years.
The building, developed by Trockland and designed by architects Tchoban Voss, was originally intended for office use. In cooperation with Trockland, Homaris transformed the shell of the building into a serviced apartment house, thereby establishing a new usage concept for the location. Marc Pielke, Co-Founder and CEO of Homaris, commented on the opening of another serviced apartment house in Berlin-Mitte, emphasising the significance of the Berlin market for his company. He highlighted that the demand for compactness while maintaining high comfort was paramount in the planning of the floor plans.
Silke Grabowicz, an architect at Homaris, explained the challenge of integrating the building's architectural quality into a coherent apartment concept. A developed mezzanine level made it possible to efficiently utilise the existing room height and achieve maximum occupancy in a compact area. Design and lighting planning were geared towards creating an individual and homely atmosphere in each room.
The apartments cater to both business travellers and private guests seeking flexible, high-quality accommodation for shorter or longer stays. The concept combines functional, compact living with modern interiors, digital booking, and a high quality of stay. A new feature in Homaris's offering is a 42-square-metre coworking space on the ground floor, as well as a community space with an atrium in the basement. An externally operated café complements the service offering directly within the building. The property is also LEED Platinum certified, demonstrating high standards in sustainability and resource efficiency.
The adjustment to the original planning occurred against the backdrop of a changed market situation, characterised by declining demand for conventional office spaces and increased demand for residential space. Danielle Shapira, Chief Project Officer and Partner at Trockland, acknowledged the transformation of the former office building and the collaboration with Homaris, which has enriched the building with a contemporary usage concept. The building integrates into the urban environment of Köpenicker Straße and closes an urban planning gap at the corner of Köpenicker Straße and Wilhelmine-Gemberg-Weg.
