Revitalization

The usage of existing structure regarding the aspect of historic preservation is fulfilled in an eminent and manifold measure and even incorporates cultural issues of the building. A direct contention with the original castle evokes many different innovative approaches regarding the new architecture. The newly added architectural elements are creating a variety of different spatial situations inside the 500 year old masonry. The attic can be experienced as the high room it used to be, giving an open view of the original wooden construction. The design lays an overall focus on the “Room within a room”- concept, using distinct cubic chambers on the inside that are detached from the exterior walls. The process of restoration was executed with the main objective being sustainability. Materials were used in cohesion with their own meaningfulness. The primal roof truss was preserved, while damaged or issing elements were replaced with century-old timber beams. Engineered wood was used for insulation; the exterior rendering has been restored by using the same mineral aggregates as the original building. The exterior walls were also rendered from the inside. Thermic comfort is ensured by the usage of a low-temperature panel heating. The newly built room elements are made up of wood frame walls.

Wood was also used for the wall coating, furniture and the flooring of the truss. Missing elements in the exterior such as the balcony or the door leading to the aulted cellar are rebuilt from corten steel. Varnished areas located at the outside area are kept down to the minimum; the barrier free road is made from concrete and is haped to be a plastic element.