J. Mayer H.’s Striated JOH3 Apartment Complex Reinterprets the Classic Berliner Residential Building

<a href="http://www.jmayerh.de/" target="_blank">J. Mayer H.</a> just completed <a href="http://www.jmayerh.de/7-0-Joh3.html" target="_blank">JOH3</a>, a residential building that reinterprets the classic Berliner apartment building and updates it with a modern striated facade, smart energy-efficient design and rooftop gardens. Following on the heels of his huge success in Seville with the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/video-inhabitat-interviews-metropol-parasol-architect-juergen-mayer-h/">Metropol Parasol</a>, Juergen Mayer H's JOH3 building features a louvered facade that gives the building a distinctive aesthetic while providing privacy and sun protection without reducing daylighting.

<a href="http://www.jmayerh.de/7-0-Joh3.html" target="_blank">JOH3</a> is a unique residential building in downtown Berlin developed by Euroboden and designed by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/j-mayer-h/">J. Mayer H.</a>.

Located on Johannisstraße in Mitte, Berlin’s downtown district, the seven story building neighbors both the Museum Island and Friedrichstrasse.

The ground floor provides commercial space and the interior courtyard is a private respite for residents of the multi-unit building.

The apartments all face south-west, opening to the calm, carefully designed courtyard garden as well as daylight.

The sculptural louvered facade works to protect the interior from overheating and provide privacy.

Each apartment enjoys a private patio to enjoy the outdoors and natural ventilation eliminates the need for air conditioning.

The use of heat exchangers help to reduce energy use.

Some of the larger apartments enjoy their own gardens and a green roof on top provides additional insulation.

Rainwater is harvested from the roof and stored in cisterns under the basement.

This water is used for toilet flushing and washing machines to reduce potable water use.

A spacious bathroom with an interesting tile pattern.

Each apartment enjoys a balcony and a connection with the outdoors into the green courtyard.

Amply daylighting streams in from the southwest but the facade keeps the interior from overheating.