A historic laundry factory in Berlin's Wedding district has been successfully converted into contemporary office space, breathing new life into one of the area's iconic industrial buildings. The project, completed by Bollinger + Fehlig Architects, represents a thoughtful blend of historic preservation and modern functionality in one of the German capital's most culturally rich neighborhoods.
The Wedding district remains characterized by monumental brick buildings that once served the city's manufacturing industries. While many of these structures have either disappeared or stand vacant, others like this protected laundry factory have embarked on successful second careers. The facility was recently renovated and converted into office space following plans developed by the Berlin-based architectural firm Bollinger + Fehlig Architects.
Originally constructed in the early 20th century by architect Martin Punitzer, the building was built using reinforced concrete skeleton construction methods typical of the era. The structure sits directly adjacent to the S-Bahn railway line, not far from the well-known Gerichtshöfe cultural venue that has become a landmark in the area. The large triangular block, which features an interior courtyard, had suffered significant war damage over the decades, with portions of its original structure having been lost entirely.
The renovation project involved both restoration and architectural additions to return the former laundry factory to its original form while adapting it for contemporary use. The new configuration spans six floors with a total usable area of 14,600 square meters, designed to accommodate up to 16 separate office units. The flexible layout allows for various configurations, from open-plan arrangements to cellular office structures, providing maximum adaptability for different tenant needs.
The project was commissioned by Westbrook Partners, an internationally active real estate company that invested approximately 19.6 million euros in the transformation. The company explicitly marketed the project's flexibility as a key selling point, recognizing the evolving needs of modern office users in Berlin's competitive commercial real estate market.
Architecturally, the new additions deliberately contrast with the existing structure while respecting its historical character. The most notable features include wooden and hybrid wood construction additions, including extensions on the main building complete with pergola elements and new sections in the northern portion of the block. These additions were developed in collaboration with SFB Engineers, ensuring structural integrity while maintaining design coherence.
The architects drew inspiration from the building's textile heritage in designing the new facade elements, incorporating folds and V-shaped forms that reference the factory's original function as a laundry facility. This thoughtful approach creates a visual dialogue between past and present, honoring the building's industrial history while clearly marking the contemporary interventions.
A significant transformation also took place in the previously completely sealed interior courtyard. Landscape architects nolte gehrke landschaftsarchitekten worked to introduce trees, green spaces, and seating areas, creating a welcoming environment that enhances the building's appeal for modern office workers. This green intervention provides a stark contrast to the industrial surroundings while offering occupants access to natural light and outdoor space within the urban environment.
The project exemplifies the ongoing transformation of Berlin's Wedding district, where industrial heritage meets contemporary workplace demands. By preserving the architectural integrity of the historic structure while introducing modern amenities and flexible spaces, the conversion demonstrates how adaptive reuse can serve both cultural preservation and economic development goals in Germany's rapidly evolving capital city.
