The Ceconi Villa, an existing building within the “Rauchmühle” ensemble and a listed building, was transformed into a modern office building while taking into account its historical significance, typology and structure.

The unusable attic space was demolished and replaced with a contemporary timber structure. One of the BDA's requirements was that the villa's façade should not be significantly altered. At the rear, facing the new area, the extension confidently adds a new finishing touch to the building. The entrance was relocated to a more prominent position, in keeping with the overall ensemble, and was accentuated with a canopy.

The existing building was largely preserved and carefully renovated: blind windows were reactivated, and sanitary areas were arranged. Larch wood and glass portals upgrade the existing staircase in terms of fire protection and divide each floor into two units. Installing a lift enables the building to be used without barriers.

From a structural point of view, the lightweight timber construction and cavity flooring meant that the existing building was subjected to less weight than had previously been removed. The timber construction also allowed the roof structure to be visible from inside and outside as an open, all-round, glazed, lightweight extension — an addition that modernises the building. An open area that runs the entire length of the building provides a break with the existing gable and allows light to enter the roof space from all sides.