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Architects: Hanno Schlögl, obermoser + partner architekten
- Year: 2020
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Photographs:David Schreyer
Site analysis. Interventions of transformation and requalification involving industrial architecture, efficiently operating with sustainable resources, have gained increasing relevance among architectural tasks. The project assignment, a joint collaboration between obermoser + partner architekten and architect Hanno Schlögl, was to reconvert a former grain silo, built in 1978, into a storing-center for wood pellets.
The location, an industrial complex with rusty tanks and shed roofs among other relicts of former use, radiated the character of an abandoned area. The tall silhouette of the silo definitely emerged, visible from afar, towering over the surroundings. The silo and its related technical outfit would keep the previous function, although instead of grain they would store from now on wood-pellets.
Approach. Under our client’s request, a few additional functions should extend and complete the ensemble. The project should become a local landmark and a new firm emblem, an art lounge suitable for company events and business purposes should fulfill this purpose. Moreover, a small power plant and a further volume for pellets manipulation, loading, and delivery purposes should be added as well.
The design was mainly concerned with finding an appropriate approach between the extension and the existing structure. Many alternatives in the conceptual phase have been considered before choosing the best-fitting solution.
With a somewhat symbolic gesture, we decided to change the building proportions by adding a “crown” on top of the silo, underlining the heaviness of the concrete structure below. Materialization and modular proportions arise from the historic silo structure and finally adjust, meshing into a monolithic whole.
Realization process. Structurally, the crown consists of a grid of precast-concrete elements unifying the two attic floors as one element and framing a glass box, hosting an art lounge and the company head offices. While from the outside, the distance between the crown and the glass façade creates a spatial depth, emphasized by skillful lightning, the indoor spaces at 45m above ground play with natural light and shadows, displaying an abstract reality and framing spectacular panoramic views.
In order to preserve the archaic strength of the silo, the fire staircases and elevator are located inside the former grain container, no external addition is required. This gesture enables to explore the silo from the inside and to perceive the massive proportions of the former structure.
Transformation. The project was realized within one year. After demolition, the new rooftop steel structure was erected, then the glass façade cladding. Once added the prefab-concrete crown, the silo elevation reached almost 50 meters, giving the monolith its final form. The engagement and enthusiasm of the client for the project have been extraordinary. The intervention transformed an anonymous industrial complex into an impressive architectural site, revitalizing it and successfully generating a local landmark and a new company emblem.
