Conversion of an Old Locksmith Shop by ALAS Alarcón Linde Architects

The Conversion of an Old Locksmith Shop byALAS Alarcón Linde Architects stands as a compelling example of adaptive reuse architecture in Berlin. Located in the vibrant district of Neukölln, this 1931 structure has undergone multiple transformations: from garages to an art warehouse, exhibition space, locksmith workshop, and finally into a hybrid of residential apartments and creative studios.

Acquired in 2018 by a collective of artists and creatives, the building reflects a growing trend in sustainable architecture and urban regeneration, where existing structures are reimagined instead of demolished. This project highlights how industrial heritage can be preserved while adapting to contemporary living needs, making it a key reference in renovation architecture.

Spatial Narrative: Courtyard Typology and Urban Layers

The building is organized in a U-shaped configuration around a central courtyard, reminiscent of the traditional German Dreiseitenhof typology. This inward-facing spatial arrangement creates a layered experience within the dense urban block, described metaphorically as “layers of an onion.”

The varying heights of the east, north, and west wings maintain the original volumetric hierarchy, while new interventions subtly redefine spatial relationships. The courtyard becomes the heart of the project, reinforcing community living and shared spaces, a critical aspect of modern co-housing design.

Material Innovation: Shou Sugi Ban Facade Strategy

A defining feature of the renovation is the application of the traditional Japanese wood preservation technique known as Shou Sugi Ban. The original masonry façade has been thermally upgraded using thick wood fiber insulation panels and clad in charred pine wood.

This technique not only enhances durability against weather and insects but also introduces a striking blackened timber aesthetic, aligning with contemporary architectural trends. The use of locally sourced pine from the Baltic region reinforces the project’s commitment to sustainable materials and regional craftsmanship.

Windows as Spatial Elements

In this project, windows are reimagined as architectural experiences rather than mere openings. By lowering parapets and integrating deep wooden sills, the architects transform windows into functional seating areas. These elements blur the boundary between interior and exterior, enhancing daylight penetration and spatial comfort.

This thoughtful approach contributes to a human-centered design strategy, where everyday architectural elements gain new purpose.

Renaturation and Landscape Integration

A key sustainability move in the project is the renaturation of the central courtyard. Previously covered in asphalt and used for vehicular access, the space has been reclaimed as a green oasis. The introduction of soil, grass, and a centrally planted walnut tree establishes a natural focal point.

Additionally, green roofs and thermal upgrades improve environmental performance, aligning the project with biophilic design principles and climate-responsive architecture.

Minimal Intervention: Preserving the Building’s Memory

The interior transformation follows a philosophy of “the smallest possible intervention.” Instead of erasing the past, the architects preserved and revealed it. Original masonry walls are exposed through sandblasting, while selective coatings maintain material authenticity.

New partitions and openings are carefully inserted to enhance functionality without compromising the building’s character. This approach celebrates material honesty and architectural storytelling, allowing the building’s layered history to remain visible.

A Model for Sustainable Urban Transformation

This project demonstrates how adaptive reuse, material innovation, and minimal intervention can converge to create meaningful architecture. By balancing preservation with modern needs, ALAS Alarcón Linde Architects deliver a space that is both functional and deeply rooted in its context.

The Conversion of an Old Locksmith Shop is not just a renovation, it is a dialogue between past and present, offering valuable lessons for sustainable urban design and creative reuse strategies.

All photographs are works of  Ronald Patrick