Berlin, Germany
Kornversuchsspeicher by AFF Architetken with landscape architects capattistaubach urban landschaften converts a former silo and bulk storage facility in Berlin into a contemporary office space with mixed uses and public spaces.
The listed warehouse building was built at the end of the 19th century as a 5-storey box warehouse on the Berlin-Spandau shipping canal to explore the possibilities of grain storage for a growing population.
In 1916, an extension was built for the comparative evaluation of silo and bulk storage as well as the testing of modern machine technology.
A new reinforced concrete skeleton was installed and the extension received its particular trichet storage ceilings.
The conversion is defined by the partial dismantling of existing concrete supporting structures and a few striking structural interventions, as well as a rooftop extension.
By means of a sequence of space-creating interventions, which were carefully developed in harmony with the listed building, it was possible to convert the building for contemporary use.
The part of the building (BT1) at the time of construction was solidly bricked and originally had an inner wooden structure, which was replaced by reinforced concrete in the course of the first extension (BT2) 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, modern office space as well as publicly accessible areas will be available here in the future.
A careful sequence of space-creating interventions enables the transition to a contemporary usage concept.
Intervention 1: An additional attic, which is based on the storage form from the time of construction (with the original lantern roof), significantly strengthens the building.
The historical block association was continued in the imperial format, but stands out subtly from the existing structure with 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: The historic clinker brick façade was refurbished, cleaned, and a few flaws repaired.
The historic windows were renewed and the outside walls insulated on the inside.
The concrete load-bearing structure of the facade of the extension was extensively renovated, as years of weathering had caused considerable damage.
Infill panels were partially replaced by striking, large-format glazing.
Intervention 3: Partial areas of the existing ceilings in BT2 had to be cut out because the required room height was not available.
Set gallery levels as steel constructions zone the space and create high-quality work areas on two levels and only in this way make it possible to experience the special spatial impression under the funnel storage ceilings.
Intervention 4: A new access core between the two components contains a multi-story stairwell and elevators as well as sanitary areas and technical rooms.
In horizontal formwork, the design of the masonry joint is translated into reinforced concrete.
Project: Kornversuchsspeicher
Architects: AFF Architekten GmbH
Landscape Architects: capattistaubach urban landschaften
Client: Private
Photographer: Tjark Spille
