Based on the concept of “form follows history”, the design dissolves the apparent contradiction of building a new building inside an old one. By merging the existing with an additional structure, a new organic shaped building unit is generated. This preserves the integrity of the houses on the street and the historical references of the building as part of the historic urban structure of Eisleben. Simultaneously it imparts new impulses to the surroundings with its independent architectural language.
A white-slaked hybrid as a new whole.

Apart from the four external walls the existing building was completely demolished. The facade towards the street was restored to its original look with a four-axle structure on both levels.
Since the old building would not have been able to provide all of the needed space for the archives; the existing building was extended with a spatial addition on the garden side. Through this process the boundaries between old and new were merged into one another.
The two external corners of the existing wall towards the yard were extended to the corner points of the former staircase extension. The existing roof was extended to the new outer axis based on the historical roof pitch. A reference to the roofs of the city of Eisleben, with its large, deep pitched roofs. There are no coincidences in the new Luther Archive, but the shape and form rather follow what the building and the surroundings dictate.

Like a solid fortress, the white-slaked structure is situated in the historic urban context of the Seminarstreet. The thick exterior walls, with a width of up to 1,20m are a combination of the existing walls, insulation and the new wall structures. The protruding window recesses made out of concrete build the connection between the former plaster recesses of the historic windows and the internal concrete core of the archive. All of the old plasters were removed. The layer of white plaster slurry that was applied later on, now connects the old and the new into a new cohesive whole.

Inside the building, the visitor is surprised by a spaciousness that may only be guessed from the outside via the large facade openings on the garden side. The Luther Archive is accessed from the Schöpfungsgarten (garden of creation) via a striking entrance in the deep wall reveal. The two-storey high foyer transforms the two-storey staircase extension that was located in this space before into an expressive, atmospheric room, which creates references to the garden and Luther’s baptistery under the steep pitched roof. Next to the foyer on the ground floor are public rooms, all of which are barrier-free. The seminar room is an open-plan space that forms the link between the street and the garden of creation. A large window creates a link to the ensemble of Luther’s Birthplace. The library and storage rooms are located on the upper floors and are accessible from the foyer via a partially open staircase.

Building project: Luther archiv Eisleben | Conversion and extension
Client: Luther Memorials Foundation Saxony-Anhalt
Architectural qualification competition: 2012, 1st prize
Completion: 2015
Photographer: Simon Menges
Architectural films: Ertzui Film

The small village of Schönbach is embedded in the beautiful natural scenery of the Upper Lusatian Highlands landscape conservation area.
Besides the idyllic natural surroundings, it also features numerous of the distinctive “Umgebindehaus” half-timbered houses for which Upper Lusatia is known beyond the region.
In this special construction method, the main room on the ground floor is a separate wooden log structure that is surrounded by a circumferential support system.

The Faktorenhaus in Schönbach was built around 1785 as a prestigious residential and commercial building with a half-timbered structure. “Faktoren” were canvas merchants who supplied cloth processors with yarns and equipment. After more than 30 years of vacancy and an increasingly deteriorating building condition, a retailer has once again taken on the historic property.
Instead of linen and yarns, the company, which has now moved into the Faktorenhaus, trades in contemporary furniture and kitchens. The company’s administrative offices are located on the upper floors.
The ground floor is a semi-public area which consists of a foyer, a cloakroom, toilets and seminar rooms under its historic cross and barrel vaults.
Still, the log cabin remains the heart of the building. Retaining its historical structure, it has been converted into a pleasant guest room with an open kitchen and fireplace.

The entire Faktorenhaus is listed as an important cultural monument.
Against this background, the general aim was to preserve the original look of the “Faktorenhaus”, but to update it in a contemporary way with a design adapted to the new uses.
On this basis, the building was freed of all extensions and added structural elements and returned to its clear cubature and supporting structure.
Inside, the timber framing and beams were largely exposed and made visible. On the one hand, to bring more natural daylight into the building, and on the other hand, to create a spatial experience that cannot be imagined from the outside. The exposed and stripped-back ceiling and wall surfaces result in large air and light spaces as well as galleries that create visual links between the different office levels.
Access to the upper office rooms is provided by a new staircase on the north side.

Materials and surfaces were used according to the principle of “what you see is what you get”. History and Zeitgeist go hand in hand here.
Quarry stone, marsh lime sludge and charred wood in combination with hand-carved white decorative frames characterize the exterior appearance. Inside, natural clay plasters and light casein colours contrast with dark crude steel or reflective chrome steel surfaces. Sound-absorbing, anthracite-coloured carpets were used for the office and meeting room floors. The other surfaces are laid with large-format, oiled oak planks. For the log cabin, historical planks found in the building were refurbished and reused. All other public areas are laid with cement tiles. The three main floors feature differently coloured sanitary facilities. Compared to the minimal colouring of the main structure, brighter colours such as violet, purple and turquoise were used for these subordinate rooms. The existing and the new complement each other and form a natural unity. The building remains an “Umgebindehaus”, but one that is of the here and now.

Building project: Factor house Schönbach | conversion of a half-timbered house
Client: Uwe Starke e.Kfm.
Completion: 2020
Photographer: Robert Rieger
Architectural film: Ertzui Film

First mentioned in 1119, this church in the heart of Apolda is one of the oldest buildings in the city. After several conversions, the imposing building was used as a warehouse and depot for the church until 2017. Only the chapel in the eastern part of the church is still used as a sacred space.
As part of the International Building Exhibition – IBA Thüringen, an architectural competition was initiated. The vision of the competition was a concept for a conversion of the church nave into a cultural center. The purpose of that was to give this place a supra-regional appeal and to anchor it in the urban context as a space for community and society again.
Our contribution convinced with a radical, yet gentle design approach.

The idea was to build a house within a house, without significantly altering the supporting structure. The aim is to generate an architectural impulse that brings new life into the old building, but with its own radiance. The innovative power lies within the simplicity of the architectural idea, which reverses the relation of empty space. The existing structure is affected only minimally. An open structure provides plenty of natural light in the new rooms and a unique correspondence between the old and the new.

The new spaces and structures are flexible for cultural uses.
In particular, the ground floor – the new plaza – is defined as a large, multi-functional space with a unique atmosphere.
Above that rests the two-story lightweight construction. It houses all the main functions, such as a small hall, a children’s playroom and a large hall. The existing rooms in the tower are included in the new use. An open staircase connects these areas with the new spaces in the church nave.

The new building will be supported by a solid concrete structure. The foundation is provided by micro piles with a depth of up to 14m into the ground. Only two elliptical, curved pillars support the cantilevered ceiling above. Due to its dimensions and its cantilevered structure, this slab is designed as a span-bed slab.
The two floors above are covered and supported by a wooden diamond shaped structure. This net-like structure is composed of individual plywood elements. They give the implant its outer appearance, provide thermal and acoustic separation from the main nave, and merge into a homogeneous structure.
In addition to their basic use as window openings, the individual diamond shaped elements can also be used as acoustic membranes, for speakers or the under-construction of artificial lighting installations. In order to form a consistent whole out of the different types of construction structure, the exterior surfaces are painted white. The ceilings and floors inside are kept in their natural wooden surface. The separation of rooms and the necessary storage areas are realized with room-high wooden built-in cupboards and shelves. The existing structures in the nave and spire will be left as they are, with just small adjustments like new flooring and lighting etc. to bring the structure to a modern standard.

Building project: St Martin’s Church Apolda | Conversion into a socio-cultural center
Client: Evangelical Lutheran parish of Apolda, supported by EKM | Cooperation partner IBA Thuringia
Invited realization competition: 2020, 1st prize
Completion: 2026 – under construction

Behind the railroad tracks, in the south of Leipzig, the new southern combined heat and power plant rises with its characteristic, colourful cubes. It is the first combined heat and power plant in Germany that is completely operated with hydrogen. The new objects are basically made up of purely technical features. They are, in a way, an oversized engine block. But that also means that they could not be integrated in their surroundings without any further measures, because of the partly listed and very high-quality buildings around it. Under these circumstances the “Stadtwerke Leipzig” launched a design competition, which we could gladly win with our contribution of a “ceramic continuation”. The idea was to translate the exposed brickwork of the historic buildings with their yellow, brown, and reddish clinker bricks onto the three new buildings. Despite the solely technical function, the materials used for the facades were meant to create a high-quality appearance that corresponds with the surroundings and existing buildings. The material is therefore also fired clay. It was realized as a curtain facade, consisting of glazed panels with a fine, irregular vertical structure. Just the ground levels are still made of clinker brickwork. Meanwhile, its, partly sloping, finish imitates the silhouette and form of the roofing on the opposite side and still manages to create a further relation with its surroundings while also remaining independent.

Building project: Leipzig cogeneration plant | Façade design of the plant buildings
Client: Stadtwerke Leipzig, in cooperation with Fichtner GmbH
Invitation to tender 2020
Completion: 2023

This unique site is located south of the city center of Halle/Saale. The historic coffee garden was built at the beginning of the 18th century. Until the middle of the 20th century, it was a popular destination for daytrips and retreats. To reactivate the full potential and the unmistakable charm of this historically valuable, listed place it was necessary to develop an extremely sensitive approach to the existing buildings that were to be preserved. Our concept was to reuse the historic buildings, convert them and transform them to meet the new requirements.
However, due to the diverse uses and needs, new building structures were additionally necessary. These necessary extensions will be built on the old building’s original footprints. In the past, during medieval times, the site was already built up much more densely anyways. The natural combination between old and new is created by the use of qualitative, timeless materials like natural stones, finely textured lime plaster, and coffered windows and doors.
The former Kaffeegarten is to be reactivated in its form and function. New “ingredients” such as a delicatessen, a restaurant, a hotel and vacation apartments as well as space for therapy and art transform this place, that is so rich in history, into a contemporary, unmistakable place of recreation.

Building project: Coffee garden Am Mühlwerder | Renovation and extension of a historic ensemble for catering and accommodation
Client: GWG Gesellschaft für Wohn- und Gewerbeimmobilien Halle-Neustadt mbH
Completion: 2026 – under construction

The village of “Greifenhain” is part of the region “Kohrener Land”. It is a beautiful landscape, also known as “Tuscany of saxony”, with its gentle hills, fields and wide meadows. Here, a former four-sided farm of which only two buildings currently remain, located in a central position within the village, will be converted into a retreat. A place for art and culinary delights as well as retreat and contemplation.

The potentials of the property lie within its contrast and opposites.
Open green space to closed courtyard. A long main house to a small stable. Large, vaulted areas with thick, massive foundations to small, simple chambers with light timber framing.
Based on these historical conditions, the Hofgut is to derive its new, differentiated uses. The former stable building in the north will be revitalized in form of a new building.
Its cubature refers to the historic building. However, instead of the small former openings, the pure wooden construction now opens up into the adjacent meadows with large façade openings.
The existing structures will be rebuilt, adapted, and refurbished as little as possible and as much as necessary for the new functions. The aim is to retain the basic appearance of the facility and to create an independent yet familiar place out of the conditions of the property and the historical features of the village. A natural architecture with maximum flexibility of use, magnificent views and plenty of natural daylight. A new anchor with national appeal. A building between forest and meadow, between privacy and community. A farmstead that has always been a natural part of the village and is now being given a new life.

Building project: HILDEN | Conversion of a four-sided courtyard into a Retreat
Client: Private
Completion: 2026 – under construction

The property is located on the west side of the “Lago Maggiore”, in the Italian mountain village of “Donego”. It is a village that has been almost completely preserved in its original state, with buildings constructed of local granite stone in a technique that is typical of the region.
Due to its original and mostly well-preserved buildings, Donego is a protected site and forms the basis for the architectural approach.

The steeply south-facing hillside plot is parted into three, already existing, levels of height. All three terraced areas offer an extraordinary view across the lake.
On these levels, there already are buildings made of stone; so-called “Rustici”. The concept is to restore, carefully convert and add to them in the typical local way. The fundamental idea is to create a “village within the village”. The courtyard on the middle level as the centre of the ensemble builds the “marketplace” and focal point. The existing structures of the Rustici frame the yard, while it opens up towards the spectacular panorama of the lake and mountain landscape to the south. To emphasize this framing aspect even more, a new building will be placed on the north side of the courtyard, embedded into the existing rocks. A large, rectangular opening creates a link between the inside and outside. Two steps lead down into the new building, the salon. This gesture of carving into the rock is supposed to be recognizable from the inside too.

The lower level on the property is designed as a mixture of a paved area and a lush green garden oasis with a little plunge pool to the west. A narrow staircase provides access to the lower garden level, from which a footpath leads directly to the lake.

Building project: Rustici Donego | conversion of an listed Rustici at the Lago Maggiore
Client: private
Design: 2022

Gut Kerkow is an organic farm in the heart of the Uckermark region.
In addition to day tourists, who are interested in agriculture and organic products, Gut Kerkow attracts more and more people who want to enjoy the place and the landscape for a longer period of time. In order to satisfy these desires, specific recreational spaces are being created at three different locations in the vicinity of the estate. The architecture is based on the simple farm buildings of the surrounding area. Nevertheless, the buildings are intended to provide new impulses for the estate and the region. All of the buildings will be built using ecological wooden construction and will be supplied with energy from the farm’s own biogas plant.
A new apartment house with six residential units and a wellness area marks the start of the construction work in the north of the existing complex. Based on the architecture of Nordic longhouses and with dark wooden cladding, the compact building mediates between the historic farm and the wide landscape of the Uckermark region. The building is designed as a pure timber construction.

Further holiday apartments are planned in the southeastern part of the extensive property.
In the neighbouring residential area, however, the focus lies on detached buildings.
Approximately nine holiday homes are planned in an open style with a loose connection to each other’s positions, as can be found in the immediate vicinity. The holiday homes will be integrated into the landscape and will be positioned rather freely on the plots, in harmony with the existing vegetation. A further goal is to integrate the houses into the estate and to strengthen its touristic potential.
The single- and in some cases multi-storey houses with their steep hipped roofs merge with the landscape and the surrounding buildings.
The use of local materials and stylistic elements such as wood and brick play a major role here too. An interplay of tradition and presence that transfers the history of Kerkow unagitated into the present day.

Building project: Holiday cottages Gut Kerkow | New holiday ensembles and retreats in the Uckermark
Client: Gut Kerkow Tourismus GmbH
Completion: 2026 – in planning

As part of the IBA Thuringia, a new community centre was built in the community of Rottenbach, in the immediate vicinity of the newly renovated railway station. Replacing a historic toilet block, the new building includes a community hall, a public lavatory, a kitchen and a storeroom. The one-storey public building with a hipped roof interprets typical, local design features. The new community centre is supported by a pure timber construction. A wood façade with a coloured coating, combined with a natural slate roof, anchors the building in its surroundings.

Building project: New community center Rottenbach, Thuringia
Client: Municipality of Rottenbach
Completion: 2024
Photography: Atelier ST; Thomas Müller

The new building on the corner of the Theresienstrasse/Palaisplatz is intended to adequately complete the baroque district of Dresden’s inner “Neustadt” and thereby transform the historical baroque typologies into a high-quality appearance. Using baroque design elements, the new buildings were anchored in the urban context as if they had always been there. However, the size of the facade openings and divisions, and a subtle choice of materials allow the existing building to merge with the current spirit of the times.
The closing of the gap, created by the two solitary buildings and the extension on the Palaisplatz, was considered as one unit. Based on a colour scheme that was inspired by the Baroque period and the nature of the nearby park, the three buildings are differentiated in their colours, while still creating one unit of the new quarter.

Project: Königshöfe Dresden | new residential complex in Dresden’s Baroque Quarter
Client: CG Group
Facade workshop 2017: 1. Prize
Completion: 2023
Project in collaboration with Fuchshuber Architekten, Leipzig
Photographer: Simon Menges