Old meets ultra-modern: Originally built in 1976 on Grafenberger Allee, this office building is virtually unrecognizable following its comprehensive renovation and modernization. Stripped down to its structural core, Mielke and Scharff Architects have transformed it into a fully accessible building housing contemporary office spaces. The architects delivered precisely what the owner envisioned: daylit offices with floor-to-ceiling windows flood each workspace with natural light, while strategically placed glass partitions maintain transparency throughout the interior while preserving privacy. A peaceful work environment was equally important—achieved primarily through the building's refined contemporary design. To support user wellbeing, every floor includes an outdoor terrace, perfect for breaks or informal gatherings.

The roughly 2,240 m² of space can be configured with complete flexibility. Tenants can choose from lofts and open-plan arrangements to individual offices with collaboration zones. They also have input on the interior design. A central core houses a kitchenette, restrooms, server room, archive, and storage—with customizable office layouts branching off around it. One leased unit showcases how this flexibility works in practice, fully tailored to the tenant's specifications. Beyond its visual transformation, the five-story corner building (plus penthouse) received equally important technical upgrades. A central heat pump system now supplies district heating, with integrated floor-based heating and cooling vectors. A high-efficiency ventilation system with heat recovery optimizes air quality, while adaptive LED lighting ensures comfortable illumination during morning and evening hours. Fiber optic cabling, comprehensive security systems, and a sleek façade combining glass and anodized aluminum complete the modernization. Given the building's location at a busy intersection, effective acoustic insulation was essential—complemented by external solar screens for climate control.

www.mielke-scharff.de

Photography Credits:

Jochen Rolfes
www.jochenrolfes.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 02|22)