Tear off or refurbish?
The exposed concrete building from the 70s has an important place in the history of M.C.M. Klosterfrau Healthcare Group, well known for the production and distribution of health products and cosmetics. The alley in which it is located, was even named after the former owner Doerenkamp. Nevertheless, there are some 30 years later, new demands on the building.
Therefore, the thermal insolation and building services were to be brought up to date, the building more prominently put into the street space, the accessibility made more comprehensible and the office space extended due to internal restructuring.
The decision was made in favor of a redevelopment concept in which the essential structures of the building were retained and, where reasonably, continued in the same way. The aesthetics of the existing vertical grooved concrete façade have been translated into an insulated multi-skin slab construction, raised floors incorporate new piping and wiring, thereby ensuring the possibility of flexible workplace design. Cell offices became a structured zoned open-plan office.
The connection of the lower building to the street was solved by a ramp system. From the sidewalk one reaches directly to the two main entrances of the companies Klosterfrau and it´s subcompany Maria Galland, which are accommodated on different levels. The interior design is kept deliberately neutral, only the logo color appears in the textiles used.
The completely overgrown open spaces have been redesigned and provided with seating. Parking spaces have been relocated to allow staff breaks in the sunny front yard. On the first floor, a spacious roof terrace lets the view to the herb garden and the lovingly restored illuminated letters of the old company logo. A modern company with a long tradition has also transferred its corporate philosophy to its home.
