Building On Rather Than Replacing – Transformation with Character
The conversion of a former carpentry shop in Aschaffenburg-Schweinheim has resulted in a residential building that views the existing structure not as a limitation but as an opportunity. Instead of demolition and new construction, the clients and architects opted for preservation – and thus for a design that continues the history while interpreting it in a contemporary way.
Existing Structure as a Resource
Despite the building’s poor structural condition, its potential became apparent early on. In addition to the gray energy saved, the building’s generous volume was particularly compelling—a feature that would no longer have been feasible under current building codes. Preserving the building thus enabled not only a sustainable solution but also a spatial quality that goes beyond the ordinary. At the same time, what has defined the place for decades—its identity—was preserved. The “soul” of the building—visible in its structure, materials, and memories—became the central design motif.
Reorganized Space
The floor plans were completely reimagined. Today, the living spaces extend across multiple levels—from the exposed natural stone basement up to the converted attic. A newly created entrance leads across the courtyard into a central hallway, from which the house opens up. The former workshop now houses the heart of the home: the kitchen, dining area, and the passageway to the garden. A striking staircase made of raw steel leads along an exposed brick wall to the upper floor. There, wooden floorboards and preserved half-timbered beams create a warm, tranquil living atmosphere.
Materiality between rawness and precision
The design thrives on the conscious use of existing materials. Unplastered masonry, raw steel surfaces, and restored wooden elements enter into a dynamic dialogue with new fixtures. This interplay is complemented by strategically placed ceramic surfaces: In the bathroom, tiles from the Karl series underscore the traditional character and translate it into a contemporary design language.
Sustainability taken further
Parallel to the design transformation, the building underwent a comprehensive energy retrofit. New windows, a thermal insulation composite system, and modern building services bring the old building up to current standards. The roof truss was largely preserved and supplemented with new dormers that offer specific views of the Vorspessart landscape.
A unique property with character
The result is a house with an unmistakable character—shaped by its history yet open to new ways of living. The connection between the inner courtyard and the surrounding landscape creates a special spatial atmosphere that balances seclusion and expansiveness.
The awards, including „Best of Interior 2024“ and inclusion on the longlist for „House of the Year“, underscore the quality of this approach: continuing to build rather than replacing – as an architectural and cultural stance.
