The listed building, constructed between 1914 and 1917 by Fritz Schumacher as a charity school, is used as an alternative location for two vocational schools in Hamburg. The building was constructed in the Brick Expressionist style and is characterised by a symmetrical façade, ornate craftsmanship and the use of red brick, typical of Fritz Schumacher’s work. Located at the transition to St. Pauli, the architecturally striking building is situated at an urban landmark.
The core task of the project was to create the greatest possible accessibility and to preserve the authenticity of the building through careful, restrained renovation. We have thus created a renovation standard that will be applied to future projects for Schumacher buildings.
During the renovation of the outer shell, parts of the building such as the roof, terraces and individual windows were renovated and renewed in accordance with the KfW monument standard, taking into account monument protection requirements. In addition, a 3-sided glazed external lift was planned and installed to provide accessibility at the rear of the building.
The sports hall and almost 390 square metres of interior space on various upper floors were renovated, classrooms and specialist rooms were refurbished, and the IT systems were modernised. The district heating connection also had to be replaced. Furthermore, after the former caretaker’s flat was demolished, the space was converted into storage rooms. Further renovation work included: the toilet facilities on the 2nd and 3rd floors and, where necessary, the replacement of floor coverings throughout the building.
The interior and exterior work was carried out while the school remained in operation. With an exceptionally short planning and construction period, the project was completed within a year.
