Building A – Werkstadt Areal, complete refurbishment

A key aspect of the intervention was the reuse of existing building components. For example, concrete blocks made from demolition material were used as point foundations. Numerous elements such as radiators, doors, sanitary fixtures, light fittings, and natural stone window sills were salvaged from the building, refurbished, and reintegrated. This approach was complemented by a new mezzanine level made of solid timber, constructed as a self-supporting structure that sits independently within the existing building shell and is entirely free of cement. Both the timber platform and the newly added partition walls were designed to be mono-material and reversible.

The energy retrofit followed a low-tech strategy: insulation materials were left exposed, and complex building services were largely avoided. Ventilation is provided via operable windows, which not only reduces energy demand but also preserves the spatial legibility of the original structure. All upgrades were implemented with a minimal intervention approach—ensuring that the historic load-bearing elements remain visible and unaltered.

Building A exemplifies how existing structures can be transformed with technical precision and architectural care—through reuse, material separation, modular timber additions, and flexible spatial layouts. The project demonstrates a contemporary model for preserving built heritage that balances design quality with resource efficiency.