The architectural firm bodensteiner fest acquired the Casa Rossa Chemnitz with a partner in desolate condition. In the spirit of circular construction and with the help of the reuse of building components, they transformed the Casa Rossa Chemnitz into an inhabitable house without losing the charm of the existing building.
While the surrounding buildings were gradually redeveloped and the Chemnitz Sonnenberg quarter grew in popularity, the roof became leaky, timber ceilings collapsed and ferns took root in number 41. For years, the efforts of the city of Chemnitz to revitalise the privately owned building were in vain. Only a compulsory auction made it possible to save the building at the eleventh hour. Due to its dilapidated condition, it was first necessary to restore the stability of the building and secure its structure.
In contrast to the minimalist new elements, the brick walls of selected areas have been carefully freed from plaster, supplemented with salvaged original bricks and lightly glazed. The same principle dominates the appearance of the façade: Precisely crafted recesses hide the window frames and hold the narrow window casements. They contrast with the rough brick façade with all its irregularities and the visible wounds of the last century.
Sub-divisible rooms of up to 55 sqm and original ceiling heights of 3m create the feeling of space in the new flats. In combination with the exposed bricks, a transformed building has emerged which lives from the flair of the imperfect as well as from its minimalist aesthetics. Text description by the architects.
