DIA has renovated and converted the former Auerhahn brewery in Schlitz near Fulda (Hessen), giving it a new lease of life. The listed overall site with a floor space of 800 square metres is a testimony to past industrial architecture and had not been in use since 1998. The cultural centre that has been created offers a flexibly usable events hall on the ground floor, an exhibition space in the vaulted cellar and room for a tourism office and municipal marketing.


The Auerhahn brewery has experienced an impressive transformation during the revitalisation phase of around two years. Apart from extensive renovation and refurbishment in accordance with heritage protection and fire safety regulations, DIA created a new building wing that extends and optimises the space. In addition, architectural barriers were removed, enabling access to all parts of the building. An overall design concept takes up the character of the industrial building and forms a coherent collage with an interplay of old and new. The result is a harmonious combination of the carefully restored existing substance, modern architecture and a contemporary design.


The project was funded by the federal and national government as part of the urban development programme “Vibrant Centres”. The new name “Hahnekiez”, chosen by the urban residents themselves, reflects the lively district that is developing here.


The primary aim of the conversion of the existing building was to preserve the historical shell structure, while transporting the around 100-year-old Auerhahn brewery into the forthcoming decades. Making an industrial building suitable for public use required meeting all the requirements of modern-day technology and barrier-free accessibility. In addition, a high contemporary standard was set with the use of regenerative energies.