Werder (Havel)
2021-2023
Christian Cotting
Emily Schlatter
Jakob Wolters
und Jurek Brüggen
Luise 19E stands on the heritage-protected grounds of the Uferwerk eG - a cooperative for communal and sustainable multigenerational living.
The building had partly no foundations. The soil was contaminated with oil and the brick walls had large cracks. Rain was pouring in through the roof. The roofing contained asbestos and PAHs. The interiors seemed small and dark. The brickwork was cold and damp.
The young architects won a competition with the aim of saving the existing building and avoiding demolition. Despite the very poor condition and the already approved replacement building, they proposed to preserve and renovate Luise 19E as far as possible. Luise 19E was to become a community centre for all residents - a meeting place and shared living space for everyone.