Interview with EQVIVA

Eqviva is a reliable partner for project developers, architectural offices, construction companies and investors as a project controller and developer's representative. For more than 10 years, there has been a close cooperation with the project developer econcept and the results are impressive. Many exciting projects have been developed: among others, the "SAPPHIRE by Daniel Libeskind" in Mitte, AM POSTBAHNHOF in Friedrichshain, NEUE HÄUSER am Wasserturm in Prenzlauer Berg and the ENTRÉE in Weißensee.

E&V: Which benefits does the cooperation of your companies create?

Eqviva: Together with our planning and execution partners, we reliably cover the entire range of services: from the idea, to the ground-breaking ceremony, to tightening the last screw. Of course, we also accompany our projects beyond that in the warranty phase. Investment, project development and process control merge seamlessly.

E&V: What are the challenges in project development and management today and is it true that they are increasingly becoming the supreme discipline?

Eqviva: We want to create places for people. That's easy to say, but it means finding answers to really essential questions: What does architecture have to do on site - today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow? How can we respond to the wishes and needs of people and their surroundings? How can the challenges of climate change and the associated demands on buildings be mastered?

The question of the supreme discipline can therefore be answered with a clear YES. Because project management ensures that the project idea is also realised and that despite the challenges, such as stricter requirements for buildings by the legislator, supply chain problems or a shortage of skilled workers, which have already made project implementation difficult for several years.

The Eqviva team takes care of the collegial interaction of all project participants. A good and current example is the negotiations and agreements with our partners in construction, which are about dealing fairly with price increases for materials and personnel. For only in an atmosphere characterised by fairness and trust can people and companies deliver their services in high quality. In this environment, passion can transform into planning and implementation - the fuel of our success.

E&V: Customers are increasingly demanding ecological standards or add-ons - as the developer and project manager of MIOS, do you also see yourself as having a duty here?

Eqviva: The real estate industry causes about 40 % of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany. Accordingly, the demands for sustainable construction and the ecological operation of a property are becoming louder and louder, not only from customers but from large sections of society. As a company in the construction industry, we want to fulfil our social responsibility and make our contribution to sustainable building.

Despite higher costs and using KfW subsidies, we have planned a heat and hot water supply in MIOS with an eye to the future. The construction and operation of a biogas block-type thermal power station close to the site, in combination with heat from the Vattenfall district heating network at peak load times, represents an ecologically sustainable and at the same time reliable supply concept. It was developed with Vattenfall - with the energy of all the (forward) thinkers and planners.

E&V: What makes MIOS special? Where are the subtle differences compared to other new construction projects in Berlin?

Eqviva: We have listened to those who already live here or want to live here. The special features of MIOS are diverse - here are three brief examples:

First, there is the unique setting in the Ludwig Hoffmann Quartier (LHQ), which gives the project a very special feel. The green quarter creates a quality of stay and is separated from public road traffic by barrier systems. This conveys a feeling of safety and security.

To maintain the direct connection to nature, balconies, terraces or loggias are provided in all flats. We are also installing very large wooden windows that are approx. 1.50 m wide. The ceilings, which are almost 3 metres high, allow even more light to stream through the spacious rooms. These and many other architectural details also create a beautiful reference to the listed buildings of the LHQ.

Thanks to the construction of solid exterior walls made of highly insulating aerated concrete blocks, the MIOS houses do not require a composite thermal insulation system façade and still meet the KfW 55 EE standard.

E&V: What is a highlight of MIOS for you personally?

Eqviva: In any case, the successful architectural symbiosis of historic buildings and new construction. The decision to create MIOS in five residential buildings has contributed to this, among other things. But I am also a big fan of the in-house parcel station, which is exclusively available to MIOS users and completely independent of the parcel delivery company. Not yellow, not blue, not even red, but open to all!