The "Neue Spinnerei" in Wangen im Allgäu is a revitalised historic production building dating from 1908. Grath Architekten converted the former spinning rooms in the old existing building into commercial and residential premises with a new utilisation concept. The 23 flats offer living space for a colourful mix of residents of all ages. A dental practice has been established in one of the eleven commercial units. The new centre for interdisciplinary dentistry, which began operations in September 2022, has four treatment rooms and its own outpatient procedure room.

The overall impression of the listed building is characterised by its historic construction of steel columns and steel beams with vaulted ceilings spanning between them. Added to this are large lattice windows with curved lintels and an open floor plan structure that makes use of the building's depth. For the dental practice, the architects designed a floor plan concept with an outer treatment ring and an inner core of ancillary rooms. All treatment rooms are arranged along the outer façade with perforated windows and benefit from natural lighting. Large glass doors to the treatment rooms allow daylight to penetrate deep into the floor. In the centre of the practice, ancillary rooms form an introverted supply core that zones the corridor with short waiting areas and built-in cupboards. The dental practice deliberately showcases the existing industrial character and transfers its charm to the interior design: whether through the exposed pipes in the corridor area or the double-leaf door elements of the treatment rooms in a steel-glass look with muntin bars. The pleasant room height, exposed ceilings and white surfaces convey a sense of lightness, which is enhanced by strips of indirect lighting. The curved reception desk also seems to float in the room – with modern ring lights above it. In combination with the light wood-effect flooring, this creates a clear spatial image with a feel-good atmosphere that is surprising in the rooms of a dental practice.

With the dental practice in the "Neue Spinnerei", Grath Architects have revitalised historic rooms in a contemporary manner that is also in keeping with conservation guidelines. In doing so, they took a considerate approach to the design elements that characterise the historic existing building. The rooms were given a distinctive identity that will endure in the long term. Overall, they succeeded in preserving the charm of the former industrial site.

www.grath-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Martin Rudau
www.rudau.com

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 01|23)