A red brick building stands before you. It’s not just any building. This is the Kornversuchsspeicher. Have you ever wondered how Berlin fed its rapidly growing population at the end of the 19th century?
The Kornversuchsspeicher, erected in 1898, answers this question. It sits on the former Hamburg-Lehrter Güterbahnhof site in Moabit. Back then, Berlin was an industrial metropolis. More people meant more mouths to feed. The Kornversuchsspeicher was a modern solution to store large quantities of food.
Imagine scientists experimenting inside. The Kornversuchsspeicher was a testing facility. They explored new ways to store grain. Their goal was to preserve its germination and baking qualities. Five storage floors and four silos held 1,130 tons of grain.
The Kornversuchsspeicher pioneered a new technique. It was called horizontal storage. Grain was spread flat. Then, it was separated by wooden walls. An expansion in 1915 enhanced the Kornversuchsspeicher’s capabilities. These efforts had a significant impact. Deaths from bad bread were halved.
Fast forward to 2019. Gutting work began. Only the outer shell of the Kornversuchsspeicher remained. The plan was to create offices and restaurants inside. The Kornversuchsspeicher was set to become a landmark. It would stand tall in the modern Europacity. It would be a symbol of the Wasserstadt Mitte.
Today, the Kornversuchsspeicher stands as a testament to innovation. It shows how Berlin tackled food storage challenges. It also serves as a reminder of the city’s industrial past. The building has a new lease on life. It offers 2,371 square meters of usable space. The ground floor is ideal for cultural or gastronomic uses. The upper floors house modern workspaces.
AFF Architekten carefully renovated the Kornversuchsspeicher. They preserved its industrial charm. Ulrike Dix, the project architect, explains their approach. She said they looked at what the place offered. They strengthened its potential. New elements blend with the historic fabric. A seventh story was added. This increased the building’s presence in the area. Two large roof terraces offer views over the canal and Europacity.
Large sliding windows provide light-filled spaces. The windows’ color matches the brick facade. This creates a monochrome design. Another sliding window connects the restaurant to the outside.
The Kornversuchsspeicher overcame many challenges. It stands as a symbol of Berlin’s industrial heritage. It is a reminder of the city’s constant evolution. From grain storage to modern offices. The Kornversuchsspeicher continues to adapt. It remains a vital part of Berlin’s urban landscape.