Shell House in Berlin is a striking example of early modernist architecture, designed by architect Emil Fahrenkamp and completed in 1932. Located near the Landwehr Canal in the Tiergarten district, it stands out for its distinctive wave-like façade, with a series of curved, horizontal lines mimicking the flow of water. Built as an office building, its limestone and glass structure were innovative for its time, especially its use of steel framing. Shell House is celebrated for its sleek, streamlined design, which blends functionality with aesthetic elegance. It remains an iconic architectural landmark in Berlin.
In 2022, OTEREA’s team undertook the first BREEAM In-Use certification for the Shell Haus building in Berlin, under the BREEAM In-Use scheme. This project posed unique challenges, as the building is a heritage site. Notably, there are gaps and limitations within the BREEAM system when it comes to
assessing the sustainability of historic buildings using its multi-criteria certification framework. Historic buildings, typically defined as those constructed before the 1960s, are an integral part of our architectural and cultural heritage. Many of these buildings are protected under conservation laws, adding further complexity to sustainability assessments and retrofitting efforts.
