The former Willner wheat beer brewery in Pankow, which existed until 1990 at its location between Berliner Straße and Eschengraben, was acquired in 2017 by former choreographer Shaul Shani. A glimmer of hope for new use and rescue from decay.

Some parts of the building fell victim to the wrecking ball. The main house and the coach house were preserved. The bricks were sandblasted and extensive renovation work was carried out inside. New floors, heating and a modern electrical system were installed. As new tenants, weDesign communication moved into the ground floor of the refurbished, listed industrial building. wirDesign is a creative brand agency specialising in branding, brand management, design and communication, advising and supporting its clients in the development and staging of their brands.

For the interior design of the ground floor, covering an area of 800 m², the company sought advice from professionals in this field and hired the company if5 from Hanover. For a year and a half, the consulting firm if5 anders arbeiten and the interior design firm if5 design accompanied the agency wirDesign – from the initial ideas and concept to the move-in. The clear priority was the early and consistent involvement of the future users with their individual needs and wishes. Coupled with the project goal of planning with the existing furniture, a working environment was created that combines old and new.

From the outset, the chosen design approach was to place the corporate identity in the background so that the atmospheric architecture of the old brewery could speak for itself. Characterised by the typical yellow bricks, cast-iron supports and a flat barrel vault, the design concept picks up subdued tones from the building's colour palette and complements them with contrasting shades of anthracite and black. The result is spaces that offer a contemporary, authentic environment while appreciating the historical character of the location. Newly installed wall systems and a clever layout have created an interplay of spacious open areas and smaller retreat and meeting rooms.

www.if5-design.de

Photography Credits:

Andreas Rudolph
www.rudolphfotografie.de

(Published in CUBE Berlin 03|21)