Repurposing Industrial Space: Handelszentrum 16 by smartvoll
Handelszentrum 16, nestled amidst the picturesque Salzburg landscape near the village of Bergheim, is a testament to the transformation of industrial warehouses into a pioneering project of resource conservation.
Evolution of an Industrial Area
Originally established in the 1970s, the industrial area surrounding Bergheim thrived, with the presence of companies like “Universal Versand” fueling its growth. However, with the advent of globalization and online shopping, the warehouses of “Universal Versand” became obsolete, presenting a unique challenge of repurposing these vast spaces.
A Vision for Reuse
For Marco Sillaber and smartvoll Architekten, demolishing the warehouses was not an option. Instead, they embarked on a journey to creatively repurpose the existing structures, leveraging their potential and turning disadvantages into advantages.
From Abandonment to Revitalization
The key to revitalizing the warehouses lay in reimagining their use. By attracting manufacturing companies, offices, and restaurants, the empty spaces were transformed into vibrant hubs of activity. Diversity in tenants and uses formed the foundation for successful revitalization, setting the stage for a more sustainable development of the area.
Unveiling Potential
Once emptied, the warehouses revealed their full potential: soaring ceilings, robust materials, and expansive column grids. These features, coupled with minimal architectural interventions, offered incredible flexibility for diverse uses and opportunities for innovative design.
Fostering Connectivity and Scale
To maintain the sense of spaciousness and enable vertical communication, traditional floors were eschewed in favor of platforms. Each warehouse was given a unique identity, breaking down the large-scale structure into tangible components and enhancing human scale.
A Testament to Sustainability
Completed in 2021, the project, now known as Commercial Center 16, exemplifies sustainability in action. By repurposing existing industrial spaces, the project avoided the environmental impact of demolition and construction, showcasing the potential for sustainable development in unexpected places.
A Call for Adaptive Reuse
Handelszentrum 16 serves as a beacon for adaptive reuse, demonstrating that abandoned industrial sites can be revitalized with courage and passion. As smartvoll Architekten continues to champion the cause of adaptive reuse, the project stands as a reminder that sustainability begins with thoughtful reuse and innovation.
