Cinema International Berlin

RHEINZINK prePATINA blue-grey for a Modernist Monument
A Landmark with History

On Karl-Marx-Allee in Berlin-Mitte stands a true witness to history: Kino International. Opened in 1963, it served as the GDR’s premiere cinema, hosting legendary film openings, and continues to be a Berlinale screening venue to this day. Since May 2024, the listed building has been undergoing a complete refurbishment – including its distinctive roof.

From a “makeshift aluminum roof” to a modern zinc roof

Over the decades, the original aluminum roof had endured numerous repairs using a wide range of materials.

“In the end, it was a patched-up aluminum roof with zinc, aluminum and all sorts of things. Now the time has come to renew it completely – down to the wooden structure,” explains Meik Langpeter, one of the managing directors of Hoeltke & Langpeter Dachdeckerei GmbH, describing the condition before the renovation began.

The Berlin-based roofing company, with 20 employees, specializes in zinc work. One of their projects even appeared in the RHEINZINK calendar (2017: RHEINZINK – Reference Projects). For Kino International, the decision was made to use RHEINZINK prePATINA ECO ZINC blue-grey, 0.8 mm thick. Early on, the architect and client agreed with the heritage authorities that a zinc roof would restore the building’s original appearance with a modern, high-quality material.

Special challenges: heritage protection, planning, craftsmanship

The commission came from the architectural firm Dickmann & Richter. “It was a Europe-wide tender. You often get underbid in those, so I rarely take part. But this time, I already knew the building and knew exactly what to expect – a small competitive advantage,” says Langpeter. The company was awarded the contract at the end of October 2024 and began work shortly thereafter.

The project requirements are demanding:

Light wells and parapet cladding require compromise between preservation guidelines and technically optimal execution. Handcrafted production instead of automated processing: all components are prefabricated in the company’s workshop and folded on 3-meter benches.

Segmented roof surfaces: these demand millimeter-precise planning and execution.

“This isn’t automated work – it’s true craftsmanship. Everything is custom-made and fitted precisely. That’s what makes it both exciting and challenging,”
adds Langpeter.

Heritage-appropriate renovation with modern quality

The goal of the refurbishment is to restore the building’s original character using better, longer-lasting materials. Every detail is coordinated with the heritage authorities. For Langpeter, this project is more than just another job: “I’m a bit of a nostalgist. The history of the building fascinates me. There’s a lot of passion and heart in it. Seeing such a landmark regain its former beauty is simply wonderful.”

Completion and outlook

By the end of September 2025, the roofing work was scheduled to be completed. At that point, Kino International will stand once again as a restored landmark – not only for film enthusiasts but also as a testament to the skill and dedication of the German roofing and sheet metal trade.