Can a former furniture warehouse and machine factory become coveted residential space? Absolutely—as Kirchner Architects prove with their Kettwig project, on view during Architecture Day, June 17–18. "Still, securing approval for the change of use was an uphill battle," explain Hans Kirchner and Stephan Scholz. "The site is zoned commercial, which created significant regulatory hurdles." Two factors proved decisive: demolition would have rendered new construction impossible under current building codes. Moreover, the reinforced concrete frame structure lent itself perfectly to conversion into modern, open-plan apartments. The trade-off: no balconies or roof extensions.

The 777 m² site accommodates seven residential units ranging from 40 to 100 m² across 1,100 m² of usable floor space, along with six integrated garages at ground level and a full basement housing technical systems and storage. The grounds feature an additional garage, four parking spaces, and a children's play area. The design strategy was deliberate: preserving the building's industrial heritage while establishing a distinctive identity for contemporary living. Planning took two years; construction just one—a timeline made possible by retaining the original reinforced concrete and masonry load-bearing structure. This resource-conscious approach to existing fabric is both environmentally sound and contemporary, while the neighborhood benefited from minimal disruption during construction. The undeveloped site area of roughly 300 m² serves as a courtyard providing access to the garages and main entrance. Two-tone concrete paving leads to the covered entrance, which is anchored by two concrete gate pylons topped with lanterns. The clinker base contrasts sharply against the white façade. Industrial-proportioned windows—a deliberate reference to the building's original function—flood the interiors with natural light. Modern living spaces feature freely positioned cubic volumes designed for flexible use.

Energy performance is equally impressive: geothermal heating with underfloor distribution and a highly insulated envelope create an efficient system. The project includes charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, dedicated bicycle and cargo bike parking, plus the option to add rooftop photovoltaics at a later date.

www.kirchnerarchitekten.de

Photography Credits:

Peter Gwiazda
www.petergwiazda.de

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 02|23)