The renovation of the listed storefront office, dating from 1900 in Munich Schwabing, was conceived as an open-ended design process in which the existing building fabric became the primary source of inspiration. Rather than defining the intervention entirely, the project developed gradually throughout the construction phase, with architectural decisions emerging in direct response to the historical conditions revealed on site.

As the existing finishes were carefully removed, previously hidden layers of the building came to light, uncovering original elements such as historic wall prints, the original herringbone parquet flooring, and generous ceiling heights of up to 3.7 meters. These discoveries fundamentally shaped the design approach and became the foundation for all subsequent decisions regarding materials, detailing, spatial organization, and architectural interventions. Instead of treating these findings as constraints, they were understood as valuable characteristics that could enhance the identity of the new workspace.

Damaged wall surfaces were intentionally repaired with raw plaster, preserving the authenticity of the existing structure while allowing the traces of the building’s history to remain visible. The interventions were carefully developed to maintain a balance between preservation and transformation, ensuring that the passage of time remained an integral part of the interior atmosphere. The existing imperfections, material transitions, and signs of previous use were not concealed but incorporated as essential elements of the design concept.

All new insertions were custom-designed and carefully aligned with the proportions, textures, and material qualities of the existing structure. Facing the street, the entrance and meeting area is defined by a folded steel shelving system that functions simultaneously as storage, display, and spatial element. Its reflective surface interacts with the historic wall prints, capturing and reframing them from changing perspectives throughout the day. This creates a subtle dialogue between the existing architectural layers and the contemporary additions.

The slightly elevated adjoining room accommodates the main workspace, creating a distinct yet connected area for focused activities. A full-height multifunctional curtain provides a flexible separation between the meeting zone and the working area, allowing different spatial configurations without compromising the openness and continuity of the floor plan.

The existing green color palette of the historic interior was carefully retained and extended through the use of whitewashed timber and reflective steel elements. These contemporary materials introduce lightness and clarity while establishing a restrained dialogue with the preserved historic fabric. The result is a carefully balanced interior in which old and new coexist without one overpowering the other.

The completed workspace does not overwrite the listed building, but rather reveals, complements, and carefully develops its existing spatial and material qualities. By adapting the historic interior to the requirements of contemporary working environments, the project demonstrates how preservation and transformation can work together to create a sustainable and meaningful architectural future.