The rhythmic chug of a steam engine echoes in my mind. Can you imagine the powerful steam engine that once fueled the Alte Dampfwaschanstalt Roll?
Right here before us stands the former Alte Dampfwaschanstalt Roll. This unassuming building holds a fascinating story. It started life at the end of the 19th century as a bustling laundry. Located in Bulach near the Alb river it was one of several steam laundries. The Roll laundry was special though. Its building stones were hauled from the demolished Rastatt Fortress by ox carts. A remarkable feat of engineering and manpower.
The steam engine powered the large drums in the washing vats on the ground floor. This innovative machinery replaced the strenuous hand labor of Bulach’s washerwomen. Upstairs they ironed. The attic provided crucial drying space on inclement days. Nearby were the bleaching meadows. These meadows are now covered with houses.
The construction of Karlsruhe’s Südtangente in the 1970s changed everything. The river Alb was rerouted. The building was slated for demolition. After the laundry moved to Hagsfeld the city’s gardening department briefly occupied the building. Then it stood empty. It seemed destined for the wrecking ball.
But fate intervened. In 1984 six artists moved in. They were Norbert Hollerbach Barbara Jäger Achim Lennarz Thilo Mechau OMI Riesterer and Walter Schnebele. They transformed the old laundry into the Atelierhaus Neue Schule. This was no ordinary renovation. It was a labour of love a testament to the artists’ dedication and vision.
After a year of hard work the Atelierhaus Neue Schule opened on September 9 1984. Professor Dr Franzsepp Würtenberger gave the opening speech on his 75th birthday. The building now housed studios for painters and sculptors photography studios and model-making workshops. The artists held legendary summer festivals complete with music bonfires and fireworks on the former bleaching meadows.
Today the building remains thanks to the artists’ tenacity. The high chimney a testament to its industrial past. It is now a cultural landmark a symbol of creativity and preservation. This is more than just an old building. The Alte Dampfwaschanstalt Roll is a story of resilience a celebration of art. And a reminder that even seemingly insignificant places can harbor extraordinary tales.