A Mill Restored to Glory
A historic industrial landmark finds new life through thoughtful renovation and redesign
When dörfler Wohnen from Stephanskirchen redesigned the café and restaurant at the Kunstmühle, they brought a fresh, contemporary vision to the space. A striking dark mosaic by Sicis—featuring oversized floral motifs—commands attention in the soaring, formerly industrial rooms. Interior designer Christian Dörfler paired it with Janua's Clamp tables in reclaimed oak harvested from deconstructed barns, bringing warmth and character to the design. What sets these tables apart is their construction: the individual wooden planks are held together solely by the steel frame, without adhesives, creating an intriguing interplay between materials and craftsmanship. The original oak flooring was preserved, while a WallPepper wallpaper adds texture to the lounge—creating a sensory experience that engages every aspect of the space.
The soaring, naturally lit spaces defined by their striking white columns are hallmarks of the Kunstmühle, a landmark 1890 structure expertly revitalized by Quest Immobilien. The building's iconic 54-metre water tower and reinforced concrete silo structures—built in 1916—have undergone a sophisticated transformation into office space spanning over 4,000 square metres. For Quest Architects, restoring this severely neglected building presented an extraordinary challenge: trees were literally growing through its deteriorated roof. The team employed specialized techniques to structurally reinforce the wooden ceilings and meet modern fire safety standards. The meticulous effort has paid off—the office spaces are now fully leased.
Photography Credits:
Giuseppe x Kunstmühle Rosenheim
www.giuseppe-amici.de
(Published in CUBE Munich 02|21)
