Conversion Wrexham Barracks

This site was placed under historical protection shortly after the British Army’s withdrawal from the Rhine because it is an example of well-designed 1930s barracks architecture. The essential factors for this distinction were the site’s suitability in serving as a model for future military facilities, its manageable size and its largely preserved architecture.
With the British departure, the North Rhine-Westphalia state development agency took over as a trustee and buyer of the barracks site in 1994. In that same year a limited ideas competition was held. The winners of the competition were Cologne architects Schaller / Theodor. Wrexham barracks have been under renovation since 1996 and apart from a café, has been converted exclusively for residential use. While the former staff headquarters building and crew’s quarters were converted to blocks of flats (rental and privately-owned), a 22 large residential and studio lofts were built in the former vehicle workshop. Targeted re-densification has also helped to create a residential area whose quality is enhanced by the adjacent nature reserve. The conversion can also be seen as a successful treatment of an historically significant barracks built during the period of the Third Reich. The military site, once hermetically sealed off from the upper-class district of Holthausen, has developed into a popular residential area.

Author: Route der Wohnkultur / Redaktion baukunst-nrw
Last changed on 07.04.2010

Categories:
Urban Design » Square and Neighbourhood Planning
Architecture » Residential buildings » Multiple Housing