Kolonie Drei Bäume

People have enjoyed allotment gardens for generations, yet these small urban oases remain out of reach for many, as most plots have been passed down within families for decades.

Kolonie Drei Bäume (Colony of the Three Trees) proposes a new approach. By “super-dividing” vacant plots within existing allotment colonies into smaller parcels, more people can enjoy the same amount of green space.

The project consists of 20 elegant Retreat Homes with private gardens, carefully designed to provide a high quality of life on a single super-divided plot. Each nine-metre-high, four-storey home offers layered living among the treetops, combining compact efficiency with expansive views. Private gardens provide space for leisure, gardening, and personal projects.

An empty plot in Kolonie Zur Windmühle in Berlin-Britz serves as the first site of this new development, with further projects planned for the future as more plots become available.

The 500 m² plot is divided into 20 individual 15 m² parcels, each accommodating a nine-metre Retreat Home. The four levels allow residents to spread out vertically and live in a calm, organized manner. A ladder connecting all floors provides efficient circulation without sacrificing valuable floor area, while generous windows bring in daylight, ventilation, and views throughout the day.

As the house footprint occupies only 4 m², the majority of each plot remains available for free use. Every “Personal Plot” is enclosed by a fence, and paved pathways provide convenient access throughout the site.