Strausberger Platz 1 (at the north-west of the square)
Construction period: 1952–1953
Architecture: collective Hermann Henselmann
Haus Berlin combined apartments with fine dining
The two longitudinally aligned twin buildings at Strausberger Platz formed an impressive portal-like constellation. The pair of high-rise buildings with staggered roofs form an impressive start or grand finale, depending on your perspective.
The high-rise buildings designed by architect Hermann Henselmann do not use traditional brick construction, they are the only buildings in the first building phase to feature modern reinforced concrete prefabricated construction.
Today, they have rendered exteriors: the original ceramic cladding was not very durable and began to fall off as early as the 1960s.
Haus Berlin on the north side originally housed an inn and a dance café on its two lower floors. The 11th and 12th floors accommodated a wine restaurant and a bar, which were exclusive and offered a fabulous view.