The listed warehouse building was built at the end of the 19th century as a six-storey box warehouse on the Berlin-Spandau shipping canal in order to research the possibilities of grain storage for a growing population. As early as 1909/10, the granary was supplemented by an extension (BT2). Built as a three-dimensional reinforced concrete frame construction, this part of the building received its striking funnel storage ceilings. The part of the building (BT1) from 1897, made of solid brick outer walls, originally had an inner wooden construction, which was also replaced by reinforced concrete after a fire in 1915/16. The rarity of the special funnel storage ceilings in German-speaking countries and the use of reinforced concrete skeleton construction make the building an important witness to the beginnings of concrete construction technology in Germany. After the complete renovation and transformation, the building was also made accessible for public use. A careful sequence of space-forming interventions enables the transfer into a contemporary spatial concept.
Intervention 1: Attic construction: An additional attic floor, which is based on the storage form of the construction period (with the original lantern roof), significantly strengthens the building. The historic block unit was continued in the imperial format, but subtly stands out from the existing building due to projections and recesses. Two new roof terraces have also been created and open up a wide view over Berlin's Europacity and along the canal.
Intervention 2: Façade renovation and creation of large-format openings: The historic clinker façade was refurbished, cleaned and supplemented in a few defects. The historic windows were renewed and the outer walls were insulated on the inside. The concrete supporting structure of the façade of the extension was extensively renovated, as years of weathering had led to considerable damage here. Infills were partially replaced by striking, large-format glazing.
Intervention 3: Partial dismantling of the chute slabs: Parts of the existing slabs in BT2 had to be cut out because the required room height was not given. Adjusted gallery levels as steel constructions zone the space and create high-quality work areas on two levels, making it possible to experience the special impression of space under the funnel storage ceilings.
Intervention 4: Installation of a supply span: A new access core between the two components includes a multi-storey staircase and elevators as well as sanitary areas and technical rooms. In horizontal formwork, the design of the masonry joints is transferred to reinforced concrete.
Source: AFF ARCHITEKTEN GMBH
Source: SOLARLUX
Photos: Tjark Spille for AFF Architekten, Daniel Sumesgutner for SOLARLUX
The preparatory work for this project publication was created as part of the building construction theory in the seminar FACADE 4.0 at the FATUK of the RPTU through a student thesis by Nicolas Wagner.
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