Peeking out from behind these trees, Gebaude 75 stands as a testament to Freiburg’s architectural evolution. The story of Gebäude 75 starts back in 1890. Dr Alexander Mitscherlich, a factory owner and inventor, wanted a villa. He wanted it built in the style of the Neorenaissance.
Imagine the villa then. It had a park surrounding it. This park is no longer there today. The villa served as a representative home.
Let’s fast forward nearly a century. In 1978, Gebaude 75 was renovated and rebuilt. Then, in 2015, the facade and roof were modernized.
Notice how Gebäude 75 sits on a plateau. This plateau integrates into the sloping terrain. A narrow path winds its way up from Günterstalstrasse to the building. The main facade, once facing northeast, welcomes visitors. The main portal is also located here.
The building’s design is interesting. It has a nearly square layout. Risalit-like projections adorn the northwest and southeast sides. A recess marks the southwest side. Two full stories rise above a cellar. A hipped roof tops the structure. Dormers and a re-emergence accent the projecting parts of the building. A central glass element illuminates a light shaft in the building’s core.
The former main view features an elaborately decorated main portal. A metal balcony or veranda extends to the northwest.
Consider the materials used. The ground and upper floors showcase yellow bricks. These bricks are laid bare for all to see. Sandstone frames the window and door openings. The mansard floor features plastered wall surfaces. Some of them reveal a timber frame construction.
Red sandstone makes up the building’s natural stone elements. The masonry consists of exposed clinker bricks. The roof has a saddle shape with full hips on both sides.
Though renovated, modernized, and adapted over the years, Gebäude 75 retains its charm. It serves as a reminder of Freiburg’s past. It stands as a link between eras gone by and the present day. The villa, now known as Gebäude 75, continues to stand. It is a proud landmark on Günterstalstrasse. It has been a residence, and now a university building. Gebaude 75 silently watches the ongoing story of Freiburg.