DIA Dittel Architekten has revitalised a historical industrial building into a cultural centre through renovation and repurposing. Alongside the existing substance, this includes a new building that acts as a central connecting element and inviting foyer. The site was officially opened as the “Hahnekiez Area” in April 2024.
DIA has renovated and converted the former Auerhahn brewery in Schlitz near Fulda (Hessen), giving it a new lease of life. The listed overall site is a testimony to past industrial architecture and had not been in use since 1998. The cultural centre that has been created offers a flexibly usable events hall on the ground floor, an exhibition space in the vaulted cellar and room for a tourism office and municipal marketing.
The Auerhahn brewery has experienced an impressive transformation during the revitalisation phase of around two years. Apart from extensive renovation and refurbishment in accordance with heritage protection and fire safety regulations, DIA created a new building wing that extends and optimises the space. In addition, architectural barriers were removed, enabling access to all parts of the building. An overall design concept takes up the character of the industrial building and forms a coherent collage with an interplay of old and new. The result is a harmonious combination of the carefully restored existing substance, modern architecture and a contemporary design.
The project was funded by the federal and national government as part of the urban development programme “Vibrant Centres”. The new name “Hahnekiez”, chosen by the urban residents themselves, reflects the lively district that is developing here.
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