atelier ST renovates the historic faktorenhaus in schönbach, germany 

aterlier st’s FAKTORENHAUS REIMAGINES saxon HERITAGE

since faktorenhaus is listed as an important cultural monument, the ultimate goal was to preserve its historic value all while integrating a contemporary design that caters to new functions. the atelier ST drove that vision by focusing on a unique architectural feature that characterizes schönbach; the “umgebindehaus” or half-timbered houses. in such houses, the main room on the ground floor is designed as a separate wooden log structure surrounded by a circumferential support system. 

all images © robert rieger

stripped-back: A NEW SPATIAL EXPERIENCE

with that in mind, the team at atelier ST freed faktorenhaus from all extensions – reverting it to its clear cubature and supporting structure. for example, the timber framing and beams were largely uncovered and made visible to bring in more natural daylight as well as to create a subtle spatial experience within. the exposed, stripped-back ceiling and wall surfaces  resulted in unique spaces of light and air as well as galleries that offer visual links between different office levels. 

moving on to functionality – the office structures for möbelstarke‘s  administrative apparatus are arranged on the upper two levels while the ground floor is reimagined as a semi-public area that houses a foyer, a cloakroom, toilets and seminar rooms under its historical cross and barrel vaults. the log cabin, however, still remains the heart of the building. with its historical structure retained, it has been converted into a pleasant guest room with an open kitchen and fireplace.

access to the upper office rooms is provided by a new staircase on the north side that also acts as the required first escape route – allowing direct evacuation into open air.

the exposed, stripped-back ceiling and wall surfaces result in unique spaces of light and air

surfaces, materials AND COLORS

materials and surfaces were chosen according to the principle of “what you see is what you get”.  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 colors contrast with dark crude steel or reflective chrome steel surfaces.

office and meeting room floors were laid out with sound-absorbing and anthracite-colored carpets while other surfaces on the upper level were tiled  using large-format, oiled oak planks. for the log cabin, historical planks found in the building were reconditioned and reused. all other public areas were covered with cement tiles. 

a rich combination of materials and colors accentuates the natural unity between old and new

finally, the three main floors feature differently colored sanitary facilities. compared to the subdued coloring of the main structure, bright colors such as violet, purple and turquoise were used in these ‘subordinate’ rooms. 

ultimately, atelier sk’s faktorenhaus project emphasizes historical structures while deliberately presenting modern elements as ‘new’ additions to create a rich experience within the building space. as the firm describes it, “the existing and the new complement each other and form a natural unity”.

atelier ST freed faktorenhaus from all extensions – reverting it to its clear cubature and supporting structure

materials and surfaces were chosen according to the principle of “what you see is what you get”

the project emphasizes historical structures while deliberately presenting new elements as modern additions

faktorenhaus is known as a half-timbered house – a characteristic architectural feature found in the region

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project info:

 

name: faktorenhaus schönbach
designer: atelier ST

images by: robert rieger

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom