The castle-like Correns manor house in Lankwitz, built from 1914 onward after a design by architect Fritz Freymüller and later known as the Siemens Villa, originally included a gatehouse with workshop spaces and garages that have recently undergone a remarkable transformation (architect Albert Denzel).Berlin-based architect Ulrike Reccius and her office PEB+ Architekten converted the garages into the "Café Garage." The space now functions as a kind of cafeteria for 200 students and is also open to passersby, provided they don't infringe on student seating.

The villa, currently in private ownership and leased to the Business & Law School and Medical School, is protected as a historic monument, meaning any structural modifications require government approval. The garages were subject to these same regulations. Since 2011, PEB+ has been responsible for all structural adaptations and renovations of the entire building complex. With the university's occupancy came the need for on-site dining facilities for students, as the surrounding area lacks adequate food service infrastructure. The "Café Garage" now offers light meals and beverages. The former garages plus some adjacent rooms total approximately 200 m², with slightly more than half dedicated to dining areas, while the remainder serves as kitchen, storage, and service counter space. During the warm season, an additional 75 m² from the adjacent fruit orchard becomes available. The following construction measures were undertaken: First, the technical infrastructure was modernized and the converted spaces received dedicated heating systems. Wherever possible, all existing elements were preserved and reused, such as the glazed wall tiles typical of the original construction period. These were simply cleaned and repaired. Circular wall openings create visual connections and spatial continuity between individual rooms while also promoting air circulation.

Behind the existing metal doors, a secondary layer of custom-crafted steel-glass door systems was installed. During café operating hours, the historic gates open and the facade behind them forms the boundary between exterior and interior space. The new steel-glass facades were constructed as custom-made steel structures. The existing wooden board door, which was converted into a sliding door, creates the separation between the rear dining area and the scullery. The original dark gray or black surface-mounted installations were retained and reorganized, contrasted by all new elements—outlets and light switches—installed in white surface-mounted fashion. Slim light rails illuminate the upper walls and ceiling, creating indirect ambient lighting. The service counter is emphasized by a suspended light rail. A circular light ring that illuminates the rear dining area mirrors the round wall openings. The entire renovation took place during the COVID-19 period. The café finally opened in 2022 and is now highly valued by students.

www.peb-plus.de

Photos:
Angela Kovács-Nawrath

(Published in CUBE Berlin 03|24)