Conversion of an Old Locksmith Shop By ALAS Alarcon Linde Architects – Berlin, Germany

The Conversion of an Old Locksmith Shop by ALAS Alarcon Linde Architects in Berlin’s vibrant Neukölln neighborhood showcases the adaptive reuse of a 1931 building with a rich and layered history. Originally constructed as garages, the building evolved into an art warehouse and exhibition hall, later functioning as a locksmith shop, before falling into disuse. In 2018, a collective of artists and creatives acquired the site, transforming it into functional workshops and apartments while retaining the building’s historical character.

The project is organized around a U-shaped structure that embraces a central courtyard, reminiscent of the traditional Dreiseitenhof farmhouse layout. The building’s east and north wings consist of a single floor, while the west wing rises two stories, reflecting its previous office use. This layering creates a spatial “onion effect,” offering depth, privacy, and light throughout the ensemble.

A central theme of the renovation was a new façade inspired by traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, which carbonizes wood to enhance durability against weather and pests. The architects utilized pine from local Usedom forests, treated and charred by a regional craftsman, resulting in a protective yet aesthetic exterior that honors both sustainability and heritage.

Inside, the windows were thoughtfully redesigned with lowered parapets and wide wooden sills, doubling as seating areas that encourage interaction and engagement with both interior and exterior spaces. The building’s roofs were structurally reinforced, thermally insulated, and covered with a vegetal green layer, further enhancing the project’s eco-conscious design.

The courtyard was renatured by removing asphalt and planting a central walnut tree, creating a natural focal point that reinforces the concept of urban regeneration and biophilic design. Internally, surgical interventions were executed with minimal impact, introducing new openings, partitions, and subtle adjustments to improve light, circulation, and spatial experience while celebrating the building’s original masonry, textures, and historical materiality.

By blending historic preservation, sustainable materials, and modern functionality, the project exemplifies how careful architectural interventions can revive neglected urban structures into lively, multi-purpose spaces. ALAS Alarcon Linde Architects successfully merge past and present, creating a Berlin landmark that fosters creativity, community, and continuity.

All the photographs are works of Ronald Patrick