Revitalisation of a listed storehouse at the Cologne Docks

Cologne, Germany

Fassade Rheinseite

Photo © Jens Willebrand

Fassade Rheinseite mit historischem Kran

Photo © Jens Willebrand

Loggia

Photo © Jens Willebrand

Rheinseite mit Fotoinstallation von H.G. Esch

Photo © HG Esch

Bild vom Hafenbecken aus

Photo © Jens Willebrand

Untersicht Treppenauge

Photo © Jens Willebrand

Eingang Treppenhaus von der Stadtseite aus

Photo © Jens Willebrand

Fensterdetail

Photo © Jens Willebrand

Historische Bogenhalle im Erdgeschoss

Stadtseite

Photo © Erik Matheisen

Architects: JSWD Architekten

Location: Im Zollhafen 5-9, 50678 Cologne, Germany
Year: 2009
Client: PLB PARETO Immobilien GmbH

Located on the Quay of the Cologne Rheinau Docks, Halle 11 is a customs hall from the late 19th century. Special attention was paid to providing sufficient illumination of up to 21-metre deep office and residential areas inside the warehouse that was rebuilt in a simplified manner after having been damaged in the war. A glazed cube was inserted into the older building above the ground floor base facing the Rhine. This creates an impression of a “glass implant” as a transparent, independent volume that pervades the existing structure, fusing with its exterior walls. The listed façades on the remaining sides were preserved or reconstructed according to original plans. This includes crenellations, which top the roof once again. Sixty-eight flats were created in the former storehouse, offering ringside seating along the Rhine with their spacious balconies and winter gardens. The small portion of the circa 13,000 m² area is taken up by offices and commercial use areas.