Museum Historical Oberamteistraße in Reutlingen, ongoing

The historic row of houses at Oberamteistraße 28–32 and the surviving basement of the »Stone House« at Oberamteistraße 34, which was demolished in 1972, are among the oldest and most interesting buildings in the city of Reutlingen. These architectural artifacts date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, when the former free imperial city of Reutlingen was founded. The historic Oberamteistraße is therefore one of the oldest rows of half-timbered houses in southern Germany, authentically reflecting the development of building and living cultures.

more

The rehabilitation, which follows historic preservation criteria, includes restoration of the old buildings and construction of a new corner building where the former »Stone House« once stood. The old buildings serve as a museum and are themselves exhibits. They display over 700 years of urban, cultural, and architectural history.

The new building’s outward appearance is restrained. The internal structure consists of wooden trusswork that shores up the adjoining row of houses and reestablishes the lost form of the historic house. The new building provides barrier-free access to the old buildings and offers space for smaller events. The roof and facades are clad with a homogeneous layer of cast-glass »beaver-tail« tiles. Depending on the conditions of incident light, reflection and interior lighting, the wooden trusswork behind it is more or less visible; the building’s appearance varies from diaphanous to glittering, like a chimera. The newly designed outer skin makes the interior seem blurry, like a distant memory. Something that persists in the memories of those who still knew the old house is made visible again for future generations. The ensemble of buildings that were once iconic to the cityscape is thus brought back to life, and history is presented as a publicly accessible »exhibit«.

less

Competition
12 2017 / 1st prize

Start of planning
10 2018

Client
Stadt Reutlingen

view competition

more

Images
© wulf architekten (1-3; 6)
© wulf architekten, visualization: loomn (4-5)

less