The "Neue Spinnerei" in Wangen im Allgäu is a revitalized historic production building dating back to 1908. Grath Architekten converted the former spinning halls in the old existing building into commercial and residential space with a new usage concept. The 23 apartments offer living space for a colorful mix of residents of all ages. A dental practice has been created in one of the eleven commercial units. The new center for interdisciplinary dentistry, which opened in September 2022, has four treatment rooms and its own outpatient procedure room.

The overall impression of the listed building is characterized by the historic construction of steel columns and steel beams with capped ceilings stretched between them. In addition, there are large mullioned windows with curved lintels and an open floor plan structure that utilizes the depth of the building. 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 on the outer façade with punched windows and benefit from the natural light. Large glass doors to the treatment rooms allow daylight to penetrate deep into the floor. In the middle of the practice, adjoining rooms form an introverted care core that zones the corridor with short waiting areas and built-in cupboards. The dental practice deliberately shows the existing industrial character and transfers the charm to the furnishings: be it through the open lines in the corridor area or through the double-leaf door elements of the treatment rooms in a steel and glass look with dividing bars. The pleasant room height, unclad ceilings and white surfaces convey a sense of lightness, which is enhanced by strips of indirect lighting. The curved reception counter also appears to float in the room - with modern ring lights above it. The interplay with the light wood-look flooring 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 Architekten have revitalized historical rooms in a contemporary way and in keeping with the listed building. In doing so, they treated the design-defining elements of the existing historical building with respect. The rooms were given an unmistakable identity that will endure in the long term. Overall, it was possible to preserve the charm of the former industrial site.

www.grath-architekten.de

Photos:

Martin Rudau
www.rudau.com

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 01|23)