Dezeen Magazine

Offices and a studio in a renovated military uniform factory by Sauerbruch Hutton

Berlin practice Sauerbruch Hutton has renovated and extended a former Prussian military uniform factory to accommodate its own offices and an artist's studio.

Studio and Loft Karin Sander by Sauerbruch Hutton
Photography by Annette Kisling.

Sauerbruch Hutton added a two-storey extension with a grey render and zigzagging roof that contrasts with the listed brick building, which is the largest in a cluster of former barracks.

Studio and Loft Karin Sander by Sauerbruch Hutton

"The building as a whole appears to be made of two halves – a historic brick 'base' and a new addition," the architects told Dezeen.

Studio and Loft Karin Sander by Sauerbruch Hutton

A long glass wall running along the centre of the renovated second floor separates a series of offices from a large open-plan space, while a staircase cast from concrete connects the two new storeys.

Studio and Loft Karin Sander by Sauerbruch Hutton
Photography by Jan Bitter.

The new third floor contains a reception area and conference room that flank a gallery leading to a library and a series of smaller offices and meeting rooms.

Studio and Loft Karin Sander by Sauerbruch Hutton
Photography by Annette Kisling.

Roof lights in the extension introduce daylight into the offices, while large windows frame views of the trees outside.

Studio and Loft Karin Sander by Sauerbruch Hutton
Photography by Annette Kisling.

Sauerbruch Hutton also created a studio and apartment for conceptual artist Karin Sander in the eastern portion of the building.

Studio and Loft Karin Sander by Sauerbruch Hutton
Photography by Jan Bitter.

Studio spaces with skylights, bedrooms, a kitchen, a library and a living room are spread across two storeys, with a roof terrace providing outdoor space.

Site plan of Studio and Loft Karin Sander by Sauerbruch Hutton
Site plan - click for larger image

A cast concrete wall separates the expansive 5.5-metre-high studios from the living spaces, with an opening connecting the main studio to the raised reference library.

Floor plan explosion diagram - Studio and Loft Karin Sander by Sauerbruch Hutton
Floor plan explosion diagram - click for larger image

The project was completed in 2009 but has not been widely published. We recently published a church in Cologne designed by Sauerbruch Hutton, which is clad in diagonal timber planks.