Tabachus

Monsieur Hulot’s cosy house, which becomes the symbol of an old world in Jaques Tati’s legendary, critical film Mon Oncle was the inspiration for the Tabachus project. The transformation of an old tobacco factory in the former working-class district of Ehrenfeld is complemented by the replacement building of an existing dance theatre and the construction of a new residential and commercial building.

The central aspect is the hybrid structure of the project. The nested, overlapping spatial programme ensures a symbiosis of uses: stage, rehearsal rooms, gastronomy, co-working, hostel and flats form a “city within the city”. The inner courtyard complements the ensemble and creates space for social encounters.

The multifunctional approach can be seen in the aesthetics of the rooms and façades. Looking at the city as a storehouse of material, new combinations can be synthesised into something new. Spolia, an upcycled material, gives the architecture of Tabachus an expression that corresponds to the spatial programme and creates a sense of playfulness to the buildings. Freely inspired by Tati: It's playtime!