After the fire: Off to a new start in Wernau, Germany

The devastating fire that occurred in March 2021 severely damaged the office and engineering building in Wernau: Parts of the top floor were completely destroyed, and the extinguishing water caused considerable damage to the floors below, damaging both technology and equipment.

Three years later, the roughly 6,000-square-meter building dating back to the 1940s looks resplendent again – and today it combines historical architecture with modern functionality.

The original gabled roof gave way to a transparent top floor, which now towers over the three floors below and offers spacious offices, highly modern laboratories, and meeting rooms. Urgently needed laboratory capacity was able to go into operation as early as mid-2023, while extensive renovation work was still underway. The newly created laboratory areas now offer maximum flexibility and space for future development thanks to a multifunctional concept.

Fire protection was a key concern during the refurbishment: The preserved ribbed ceilings were left exposed and proofed against fire using spray plaster. Moreover, additional safety sensors now monitor the laboratory areas to maximize safety.

There was also a strong focus on sustainability: The new vegetated flat roof is equipped with a powerful photovoltaic system (130 kWp) that generates emission-free solar power directly for the site, reducing annual CO₂ emissions by around 52 tons. In order to further reduce heating requirements, the entire thermal insulation has been modernized. The new top floor features a glazed exterior that allows daylight to reach deep into the openplan office. This results in a warm and bright interior that fosters productivity and collaboration. The floor also offers an impressive view of Wernau and the surrounding countryside. Flexible, open spaces cater to a wide range of uses and 52 tons of CO2 are saved annually by a green flat roof equipped with a photovoltaic system. promote a modern, dynamic working environment. Modern heating and cooling appliances from Bosch Home Comfort contribute to a pleasant indoor climate and create an inspiring workplace for enjoying the scenic view of Wernau and beyond.

This comprehensive renovation makes the historic building ready for the future and showcases a sustainable working environment that combines tradition and innovation.