Bridging old and new during building expansions always presents a challenge. For Schwarzer Precision's headquarters expansion in the M1 industrial park in Essen, this challenge became the design itself: a timber-frame structure that literally bridges the gap between the main building and the new extension.

In 2016, architectural firm Schwarzgold Architekten was commissioned to develop a feasibility study for the headquarters expansion. Under the direction of René Brouns, the firm delivered a compelling concept and provided comprehensive planning services for the entire project. Koschany+Zimmer Projektentwicklung was appointed as the general contractor to oversee implementation and coordinate all specialist consultants. The goal was to create a highly functional facility for this miniature pump manufacturer. Special attention was given to the ventilation system and maintaining pristine production assembly areas. Working closely with management, the team developed a building structure optimized for operational efficiency. The result: a lean, cost-effective design that streamlines manufacturing processes. Within 26 months of planning and construction, a five-story building with 3,000 m² of warehouse, production, and office space was completed. The extension's architecture seamlessly extends the existing building's design language—clean white cubic forms punctuated by horizontal window bands, with a striking black metal ground floor that clearly delineates the technical and storage zones. The two-story connecting bridge deserves particular mention. Its double reinforced concrete trusses are supported by a timber framework and enclosed in a refined post-and-beam glass facade that exposes the structure. This bridge transcends pure function to become an architectural statement—a defining feature of the entire expansion.

www.schwarzgold-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Gregor Theune
www.gregortheune.de

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 01|22)