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Preserving Brick Heritage with Playful Work Spaces

Authors:
Christian Wallesch, Markus Zang
Preserving Brick Heritage with Playful Work Spaces

Project in-detail

With its preserved brick walls and playful features like a climbing wall and slide, the revitalized former train repair center serves as a collaborative workspace that blends historical authenticity with modern functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Preserves original brick walls while incorporating playful workspaces.
02
Elevated kitchen and play area supported by existing cranes.
03
Features climbing wall and slide for physical activity.
04
Private offices designed for small group collaboration.
05
Flexible lighting and acoustic solutions enhance productivity.

The former train repair center, Lokrichthalle, in Trier, Germany, has been creatively repurposed into a modern workspace. Built in 1911 by Prussian engineer Ernst Spiro, the building's rich industrial history has been preserved while adapting its function for contemporary needs. The design focuses on combining historical preservation with a layout that encourages collaboration and productivity among its users.

Functionality

The layout accommodates up to 40 office workers. It is designed to support both teamwork and focused individual tasks. At the heart of the design is the Eden area, which includes a kitchen and play space elevated on a platform supported by existing cranes. This unique feature promotes social interaction and maintains the industrial character of the building. Below, The Cave serves as a comfortable retreat for relaxation, enhancing the overall versatility of the workspace.

Spatial Distribution

Private offices are located in The Shell, situated along the northwestern wall. Each of the four rooms accommodates four workers, balancing the need for privacy with opportunities for collaboration. The Ground area offers open spaces for teamwork, while The Gallery provides environments suited for individual tasks. This thoughtful spatial organization caters to various working styles, fostering a productive atmosphere.

Playful Elements

The design incorporates playful features, including a climbing wall and a slide. These elements aim to encourage physical activity and create a lively office environment. By integrating these fun aspects, the design breaks away from the conventional office layout, inviting a more dynamic interaction among employees throughout their day.

Acoustic and Lighting Design

Careful consideration has been given to acoustic comfort and lighting. Movable elements known as The Clouds protect against noise while allowing for adjustable lighting throughout the space. This flexibility meets the different needs of workers, contributing to an atmosphere that enhances focus and overall productivity.

The project preserves the original brick walls and structural elements, maintaining the historical identity of Lokrichthalle. The combination of thoughtful design and a respectful approach to the building's heritage creates a workspace that echoes the past while serving present-day functions. The design stands as a testament to how old structures can be revitalized for new purposes, ensuring their character remains central to the experience.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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