“Sustainable architecture begins with existing buildings: it preserves what is worth preserving and builds upon the existing structure rather than replacing it. In this way, a building’s history is visibly carried forward and adapted to a new use.”

Stefan Woehrlin, Architect

Starting with a building in a severely deteriorated condition—marked by extensive water damage, pest infestation, and the loss of historic technical features—the granary was stabilized through several careful construction phases and restored in such a way that its technical history remains permanently visible while allowing for contemporary use. The outdoor areas surrounding the historic monument were not overlooked. Here, too, historical features were uncovered, such as a section of track from the narrow-gauge railway that was used to transport goods to the granary.

By mid-2026, the renovation of the granary’s four currently unused floors will be completed, ushering the historic site into a new future. Two floors will house studios and workshops for the visual arts; a literary residency (“Die Hobrechtsfelder”) and spaces for environmental education are also being considered.