Garden of the Max-Lingner House, Berlin-Niederschönhausen Garden conservation restoration of the gardens of the Max Lingner House, Berlin-Pankow

The house and studio built for the painter and graphic artist Max Lingner is part of the Erich Weinert Estate, which was built in 1950/51 primarily for artists returning from exile. The associated garden was designed by the garden architect Reinhold Lingner, who at the same time was realizing a variety of projects in the immediate vicinity. His design for Max Lingner's house garden is characterized by the contrast between a geometric patio framed by buildings and a pergola and a landscaped garden space that creates a link to the adjacent Schönholzer Heide.

The aim of the garden conservation restoration from 2011-12 was to largely return the garden to this original concept, which, due to its state of preservation, was largely based on the conservation and renewal of the original features. A further concern of the planning was to adapt the garden to today's usage requirements in line with its listed status.



In the entrance area of the garden, a new fence was created based on the historical model and a taxus planting running parallel to it as a privacy screen was replaced by a hornbeam hedge. The entrance steps were rebuilt in the original version using clinker bricks laid in a rolled layer and the steps to the garage entrance were rebuilt using the material found in the existing building. An additional barrier-free entrance was created on the south side of the property, which is recognizable as a new addition due to its materiality (concrete block paving).

The landscaped garden space framing the residential building with the patio was developed in accordance with the original concept as a visually shielding vegetation pattern using species typical of the location. In order to make the contrast to the garden courtyard more tangible again, subsequently created bed areas and woody growth were removed and the former pale grass meadow was newly laid out.

An important aspect of Reinhold Lingner's planning practice was the use of natural materials with rough surfaces. As these are considered essential for restoring the design qualities of the gardens, a path made of Rüdersdorf limestone running along the north-eastern boundary of the property was uncovered and restored.

The restoration of the patio with its structural and plant features, which reflect Max Lingner's stay in exile, was of particular importance within the conservation measures. Here, the terrace was rebuilt using the existing floor covering of slate polygonal slabs and the pergola framing the garden courtyard with the reed mats attached to it was rebuilt according to the historical model. The original planting of the beds in the courtyard with blue grass, delphiniums, speedwell, cushion carnations, burning love and other perennials was restored. As a result of these measures, two contrasting seating areas that Reinhold Lingner had planned in the patio area could be experienced again: the 'En Plein Soleil', located in the open courtyard area, and the 'La S'Este Á Hombre', designed as an arbor planted with wild vines.