Built in two phases between 1981 and 1986, this office complex in Bonn-Beuel had reached a critical turning point. To extend its useful life and meet the demands of a modern workplace, the architectural firm BauWerkStadt Bonn—commissioned by developer Landmarken—undertook a comprehensive modernization. The renovation included new extensions that transformed the spatial layout, making the building suitable for both individual tenants and multi-party configurations. A complete overhaul of building systems and significantly improved energy efficiency are central to the project vision. The result: a DGNB Gold certification target for this resource-conscious transformation and sustainable operation of "Kontor 2."

The complex, which once housed the Federal Information Technology Centre, fell short on multiple fronts: fire safety, building systems, and energy performance. The office layout was equally outdated, and the façade cladding contained asbestos. Following proper remediation, the team expanded the six-story structure with three new wings, repositioned existing entries, and added two new ones—each with office space and an enhanced core circulation zone. Strategic floor plan adjustments enable flexible subdivision into multiple rental units. A new 725 m² conference center with foyer and facilities anchors the ground floor's southern section. Contemporary systems—from digitized building management to extensive rooftop greenery—and the completely re-insulated, newly windowed horizontal banded façade work together to dramatically reduce energy consumption. But the true transformation is visual. The subtly iridescent aluminum composite panels shift in tone across each building volume, responding to light and view. Depending on the angle and time of day, they either highlight the dominant six-story mass or accentuate the lower foreground structures, while the dark window bands recede. The reflective surface of the main building's panels catches the sky itself—a poetic merging of architecture and atmosphere.

www.bauwerkstadt-bonn.de

Photography Credits:

Margot Gottschling
www.mgottschling.de

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 04|23)