kadawittfeldarchitektur wins competition to expand opera house in berlin

german architecture practice kadawittfeldarchitektur has held off competition from 62 other firms, including OMA and gmp, to win a contest to expand an opera house in berlin. located on behrenstraße, just a few steps from unter den linden, the ‘komische oper berlin’ launched the competition in december 2019, calling for proposals that would renovate and modernize the existing building. the brief also called for the addition of a new adjoining structure to contain rehearsal and practice areas, offices, and public spaces, such as cafés and a shop. once approved, work on site is expected to begin in 2023. 

a total of 63 entries were received with 16 proposals shortlisted for the contest’s second stage. see the top three entries below, as well as three schemes that each received recognition from the jury.

1st prize — kadawittfeldarchitektur (also main image)

kadawittfeldarchitektur’s winning proposal to expand komische oper berlin comprises a series of large volumes clad with different materials. the size and scale of the volumes respond to their context with the various projections and recesses activating the adjacent street. the jury praised the scheme’s configuration, with the narrow glazed entrance on unter den linden opening up invitingly to passersby. the integration of outdoor spaces, including two public terraces, also forms an important part of the design.

2nd prize — baumschlager eberle architekten

the design by baumschlager eberle architekten, which came second in the competition, is defined by the undulating, translucent ‘curtain’ that wraps the entirety of the building. this façade is made from wafer-thin, perforated natural stone, which is laminated onto a curved pane of glass.

2nd prize — baumschlager eberle architekten

however, the curtain does not quite reach the ground, allowing passersby views into the building and forging a connection between inside and out. the façade is lifted at the ends of the site, creating two inviting entrances.

3rd prize — AFF and topotek 1

the proposal taking third place is the collaborative effort of berlin-based firm AFF and topotek 1, a swiss practice from zurich. the scheme relates closely to its surroundings in terms of materiality and scale, while prioritizing external views.

3rd prize — AFF and topotek 1

curved concrete elements are found at street level along the entire length of glinkastraße. meanwhile, glazing, offering outward views, is positioned above. sited between the old and new buildings, an outdoor patio serves as an important public space.

recognition — JSWD architekten and gina barcelona architects

a proposal by JSWD architekten and gina barcelona architects received recognition from the jury. featuring a bold bronze façade, the scheme places an emphasis on sustainable design solutions with hemp used to insulate the building.

recognition — JSWD architekten and gina barcelona architects

a passageway positioned between the two buildings also provides a visual connection between the structures. this element of the design serves as a transition between old and new, and combines all public uses — the ticket booth, café, catering, and rehearsal spaces.

recognition — OMA

OMA’s design, which also received recognition from the jury, comprises four volumes that have been manipulated in response to the site’s context. externally, the building is contained behind a distinctive, veil-like, glass façade that offers glimpses of internal activity.

recognition — OMA

described as the venue’s ‘front of house’, the new building would contain a range of different programs including four large rehearsal spaces. meanwhile, a roof terrace populated with trees overlooks unter den linden.

recognition — gmp architekten

also receiving recognition from the competition’s jury, gmp architekten’s design is characterized by a series of voids that open the building out to its surroundings. a recessed circulation route along glinkastraße provides a sense of dynamism, while an expansive roof terrace provides sweeping views across the city.

recognition — gmp architekten