Neuer Garten
From military to residential: historic barracks reborn as vibrant living spaces
  • Location
    Düsseldorf
  • Project
    Conversion of a former barracks to apartments
  • Client
    Vivacon AG
  • Architect of record
    Caspar Schmitz-Morkramer
  • Project controlling
    B&S Consulting, Sontra
  • Technical building equipment, structural engineering
    CSZ Ingenieruconsult, Darmstadt
  • Fire protection
    Brandschutz Dr.-Ing. Thomas Heins & Partner, Langenfeld
  • Landscape architecture
    FSWLA Landschaftsarchitektur, Cologne
  • Planning and construction period
    2005–2008
  • Service phases
    1–5, 8 (artistic supervision)
  • Gross floor area
    18,000 m²
  • Photos
    HGEsch
  • This project is from the joint period of meyerschmitzmorkramer.

In the late 19th century, the Ulanenkaserne in Düsseldorf’s Derendorf district stood as the largest barracks complex in the Rhineland region. Nestled within a spacious park adorned with mature trees, the ornate brick building ensemble holds listed status. Following years of interim use – including as a police headquarters and school – the site lay dormant until Vivacon AG commissioned us to refurbish the four structures – Erich-Klausener-Haus, Hans-Gross-Haus, Westfalenhaus, and the service building – into residential dwellings. Once isolated from the urban fabric by its military function, the revitalized site now thrives as a dynamic residential quarter with 170 new apartments of varying sizes. Dubbed Neue Garten (New Garden), the development has grown harmoniously with its surroundings. Its protected inner sanctum is pedestrian-friendly and free from through traffic. Public green spaces feature benches and playground amenities, fostering community interaction and conviviality for all ages.

New Perspectives

Our renovation of the historic barracks involved close coordination with the monument preservation authorities to seamlessly blend the new residential use with the original architectural character. We aimed to create both charming and functional living spaces within the historic walls. The addition of curtain balconies enhances the quality of living, with filigree floor slabs and railings discreetly complementing the visual aesthetics. Steel girders supporting the balconies were inserted through the brickwork and connected to the steel-stone ceilings, lending an impression of remarkable lightness. After cleaning all facades, any destroyed or missing stones and decorative elements were replaced with salvaged material, while gaps in plaster and mortar were repaired. All windows were renewed to match the original structure, form, and color scheme while meeting contemporary energy efficiency standards. Floor-to-ceiling French doors grace new entrances to balconies, terraces, and private gardens. Additional entrances and stairwells were strategically incorporated to ensure convenient and direct access for residents. In the grand historic stairwells, ornate banisters were meticulously refurbished, revealing the timeless beauty of the original sandstone steps – history is now clearly legible. Meanwhile, the long, straight military-style corridors were repurposed as living spaces, becoming integral parts of the apartments.

New Order

Wo es in der Kaserne noch eine strenge Hierarchie gab, haben wir für den Neuen Garten eine bunte Mischung vom 35 Quadratmeter-Studio bis zur 140 Quadratmeter-Familienwohnung geplant. Im Raster des Bestands konnten wir neben klassischen Grundrissen auch unkonventionellere Raumkonzepte mit offenen Küchen und Wohn-Essbereichen realisieren und mit dem differenzierten Angebot von 170 Wohnungen im sanierten Altbau eine vielfältige und lebendige Nachbarschaft ansprechen. Alle Räume sind durchgängig mit Parkett und hochwertigem Feinsteinzeug ausgestattet. Jede Wohnung hat einen Balkon, die Wohnungen im Erdgeschoss haben, je nach Lage, außerdem auch einen direkten Zugang zu einem kleinen privaten Garten. Militärischer Drill und Uniform sind hier längst Geschichte. Aus der Kaserne ist ein charmantes grünes Quartier voller Leben geworden.

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Project team