The office barn in Obermaßholderbach exemplifies a respectful and forward-looking approach to working with existing structures in rural areas.

Over the course of three construction phases, a historic agricultural barn was gradually transformed into a contemporary workspace.

Today, the building accommodates approximately 25 workstations and demonstrates how redensification and the revitalization of existing structures can create sustainable architectural and cultural value. From the outset, the goal of the design was to preserve the barn’s original structure and repurpose its function as a farm building for a new use. The historic half-timbered structure was preserved and continues to form the spatial and structural backbone of the building to this day.

A defining element of the conversion is the reinterpretation of the former threshing floor, which was once used to bring hay into the upper levels of the building. Today, it forms the building’s central circulation zone. From the courtyard, a small covered entrance leads into the building, where a sculptural staircase made of black mill scale steel connects all levels. It reinterprets the building’s original use and establishes a spatial relationship between the horizontal circulation of the courtyard and the vertical circulation of the former haylofts. Communication areas, workspaces and meeting zones are arranged around this stair sculpture, creating a vibrant and open spatial configuration.

The transformation was carried out with great respect for the existing structure and traditional building materials. The principal materials used in the conversion are clay, hemp, timber, concrete and black mill scale steel. The historic oak timber-frame structure, together with its rubble-stone masonry, remains visible and legible. It is complemented by a vapour-permeable construction system incorporating clay–hemp insulation, clay plaster on the walls and roof surfaces, and wall heating, which ensures a pleasant indoor climate while also contributing to the long-term preservation of the historic timber structure. The roof was insulated with loose-fill hemp wool, while concrete and mill scale steel were used selectively for durable, heavily used elements such as floors, stairs and built-in furniture. A photovoltaic system complements the sustainable energy concept.

The building was not only renovated with a focus on conserving resources, but also consistently developed according to the principles of the circular economy. The materials used are predominantly mono-material, durable and designed for disassembly. The open-plan layout also provides a high degree of flexibility for future uses, ensuring that the building can be adapted to changing requirements over the long term.

With the completion of the third construction phase in 2025, a transformation that had evolved over many years was brought to completion. In response to the increased need for space, the attic level was fully fitted out and integrated into the existing working structure. This created additional workspaces as well as communal areas with a kitchen and library. The exposed timber structure of the roof space was retained and complemented by the targeted use of clay, timber, steel and silver fir floorboards. New openings were carefully inserted into the existing building envelope, further developing the façade without compromising the character of the historic structure.

The office barn does not regard the existing building as a constraint, but as a valuable resource. Through the sensitive transformation of a historic agricultural building, an identity-rich place has emerged—one that preserves history, conserves resources and opens up new perspectives for the future. The project demonstrates how respect for what already exists can give rise to sustainable, timeless and high-quality architecture, embodying the guiding principle “Building within the Existing: Respect and Perspective.”