German architecture firm GRAFT has completed GRAFTLAB, a groundbreaking mixed-use development in Berlin that serves as both the company's new headquarters and a modern laboratory for creative working environments. The 44,000-square-meter project, completed in 2023, represents a significant milestone in contemporary workspace design and urban development in Germany's capital city.

Located in the heart of Berlin on Invalidenstraße, GRAFTLAB was conceived as an experimental space that fosters new collaborative formats through its emphasis on flexibility and cooperation within the creative industry. The building's open and transparent design philosophy reflects the crucial role that the creative sector plays in Berlin's cultural and economic landscape. Photography by Patricia Parinejad and Henrik Schipper captures the project's innovative approach to blending residential, office, and mixed-use functions.

The architectural team at GRAFT, led by partners Lars Krückeberg, Sven Fuchs, Wolfram Putz, Georg Schmidthals, and Thomas Willemeit, developed the project with project leaders René Lotz, David Wurth, Raphael Hemmer, and Matthias Rümmele overseeing the execution. The extensive planning team included Paulo de Araujo, Benedikt Boschert, Justin Bouttell, Marvin Bratke, Evgenia Dimopoulou, Ana Maria Galvez Castillo, Sebastian Gernhardt, Agata Glubiak, Thomas Grabner, Felix Grauer, Philippe Grotenrath, Moritz Hanshans, Dennis Hawner, Jean-Rémi Houel, Izabela Anna Kordyka-Ostrowska, Sascha Krückeberg, Thomas Niederberger, Paula Rosch, Thomas Quisinsky, Benjamin Rieß, Louise Seyb, Jörg Stanzel, Elena Suarez, Max Unterfrauner, Philip Weibhauser, and Max Wittkopf.

The project benefited from extensive collaboration with specialized consultants and contractors. Planning and construction were handled by rw Gesellschaft von Architekten, while structural planning was managed by Wetzel & von Seht Hamburg. The landscape architecture was designed by Bacher Landschaftsarchitekten, ensuring seamless integration between the built environment and outdoor spaces. Building physics expertise was provided by Müller-BBM, with acoustics handled by Akustik Ingenieurbüro Moll GmbH.

GRAFTLAB incorporates high-quality materials and systems from leading manufacturers, including JUNG electrical systems, FSB Franz Schneider Brakel hardware, Grohe fixtures, Schuco International building envelope solutions, and Trilux lighting systems. These components were carefully selected to support the building's ambitious sustainability and performance goals while maintaining the aesthetic vision of the design team.

The project was developed for client Invalidenstraße 5 GbR and constructed by August Reiners Bauunternehmung as the general contractor. Technical planning was provided by Planteam Schwarz, with fire protection systems designed by imKONTEXT.berlin, ensuring compliance with all safety regulations and building codes.

As both a functional workspace and an architectural statement, GRAFTLAB demonstrates how contemporary design can address the evolving needs of creative professionals while contributing to Berlin's ongoing urban transformation. The project stands as a testament to innovative collaboration between architects, consultants, and contractors in creating spaces that inspire creativity and foster professional collaboration in the modern creative economy.