Historical Background
The Plange Mill complex, constructed between 1906 and 1934, originally functioned as a wheat mill and stands as a key example of early 20th-century industrial architecture in Düsseldorf. Over the years, the site transitioned from a bustling facility to an abandoned industrial space. In recent decades, it underwent an impressive transformation, evolving from neglect to a vibrant waterfront campus. The once utilitarian silos were repurposed into dynamic, functional spaces, achieving full utilization after years of dormancy.

The brick-clad Timber Silo was converted into a six-story loft building, creating new workspaces for the Fashion and Media industries, while the curved-shell Concrete Silo accommodates a Radiology Practice and an Orthopedic Clinic, featuring reception areas, operating rooms, a patient ward and additional modern offices with spectacular views. All interventions were carefully conducted in close cooperation with the heritage authorities to ensure the preservation of the site’s historical significance.

Timber Silo
A brick-clad structure, it was initially housing timber silos within its walls, forming the building's core.  The conversion into a modern six-story loft building involved adding new slabs and opening previously opaque arches, which were subsequently glazed. One arch was preserved as a reminiscence of the original design.

A self-supporting fire staircase was added, ensuring safety while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the structure. The architectural and structural interventions were carried out with respect for the building’s historic character, integrating modern construction methods and precise structural connections to ensure stability.

Concrete Silo
The project's structural complexity is staggering: ten 25-meter-high concrete tubes - cylindrical, monumental - demanding a thoughtfully calibrated intervention. To maintain structural integrity, the longitudinal cuts in the interior silo walls were executed pairwise and sequentially, with each removal carefully followed by the insertion of new slabs. This phased approach ensured stability while simultaneously unlocking flexible spatial configurations.

Heritage preservation shaped every decision. The exterior’s raw industrial presence remains, punctuated by carefully placed openings that introduce daylight while preserving the silo’s rhythm. Structurally precise yet poetically restrained, this transformation revives both an artifact and its urban context.

Impact
This once-abandoned industrial site now serves a new, sustainable purpose. The transformation emphasizes the value of adaptive reuse, offering a low carbon footprint while honoring the legacy of preservation. The Plange Mill complex is a prime example of how thoughtful redevelopment can revitalize both architecture and its surrounding environment.