…the hidden gem close to the Gesundbrunnen train station
Berlin is always good for a surprise; especially when it comes to diversity, visions, and sustainable issues. We were thrilled when we accepted an invitation from Design-Hotels™ (a hotel collection with an eye on more environmentally friendly, more ethical travel) to the Lobe Block last week and got to know this magnificent monumental building, above all its fantastic initiator. Truly a curated, unconventional experience! Many years ago, Olivia Reynolds built a bridge to the future: At that time, the path to sustainability was no longer just an idea for her, but a question of implementation. With her Lobe Block (the Lobe stands for London Berlin) she has aptly implemented her vision. Olivia herself comes from London and is a refreshing and lively personality who knows how to inspire people with her thoughts. In short: a real power woman! Her stories are unembellished honestly and captivating. Olivia is very well aware of her ecological and social responsibility and that of all of us, and with the Lobe Block she has created a place that is so much more than just a vile concrete block!
The Terrassenhaus Berlin (terrace house) – as the Lobe Block is also called – impresses with its large, glazed fronts that catch the sunlight. The high and spacious rooms impress with their urban simplicity. One looks in vain for staircases inside the building. To get to the upper floors, one can either use the elevator or take the stairs outside at the back of the building. The tenants, also affectionately known as the Lobe Block community, are carefully selected. Sustainability, upcycling, meaningful action, community spirit, female business acumen and creativity are the qualities that Olivia Reynolds values and thus makes the world a little bit better! How did she put it so aptly in her speech during our visit? “I am always fascinated by what a certain female touch can do to this building. If you are female and then own a dog, you have actually already won”.
At the rear of the building are wide, abundant, tiered terraces – Olivia was inspired by the ‘Hanging Gardens of Babylon’ and staged a brutalist version of it in the midst of hectic Berlin. The extensive garden with courtyard, where chickens, rabbits, quails, and ducks live, is also completely unexpected and positively surprising. It was originally installed by Olivia while she was watching the construction of the Lobe Block and living in the middle of it with her two children and a dog.
Fruits, herbs, and vegetables are grown in the garden and are used in the Lobe Canteen dishes. Anything that can no longer be used there ends up delighting the chickens and rabbits. This completes the natural cycle: from nature back to nature!
In addition to the Lobe Canteen (restaurant – 185 square meters) and the Lobe Garden (1.000 square meters), the Lobe Space (event – area 200 square meters) and the Lobe Roofterrace (120 square meters) are also available for events in the Lobe Block. All rooms are high, spacious, and neutral … ideal for implementing one’s own ideas.
