batene
architectural project: conversion of an old spinning mill into a laboratoryAn aging textile factory hosts a self-contained laboratory, creating a layered dialogue between the old and the new. The laboratory operates independently, maintaining its own internal climate and technical precision, yet its placement generates meaningful interactions with the surrounding space. This ‘in-between’ zone, neither fully inside nor outside, adapts seasonally: in summer, it provides additional workspaces; in winter, it offers a buffer against the cold. These residual spaces are more than functional—they invite pauses, storage, and informal gatherings, accommodating the rhythm of daily work.
Inside the laboratory, spaces were programmed with precision and austerity, minimizing unnecessary divisions and ensuring a seamless integration with the existing structure. The layout was designed to reduce movement, creating efficient pathways between key areas while ensuring that every workspace benefits from natural light. This focus on spatial efficiency and daylight fosters a comfortable, productive environment for those working within.
Above the laboratory, a complex web of pipes, ducts, and cables forms an intricate technical “crown.” This system necessary for controlling temperature, humidity, and air circulation evokes the chaotic beauty of Medusa’s hair, transforming an otherwise hidden infrastructure into a striking visual statement. The glass-and-metal laboratory below appears pristine and controlled, while the exposed systems above bring a raw, dynamic energy to the space, celebrating the functional aesthetics of modern engineering.
Stripping away layers of the factory’s existing walls revealed the original materials raw brick, concrete, and stone. This decision amplifies the contrast between the old and the new, creating a balanced atmosphere where the tactile presence of history meets the precision of contemporary design. Together, these elements form a harmonious system, each enhancing the other’s presence without overshadowing it.
status: built
year: 2023
area: 465m²
location: Wendlingen am Neckar, DE
team: Vincent Möller, Arthur Neznanow & Nicolás Gómez Herrera
Inside the laboratory, spaces were programmed with precision and austerity, minimizing unnecessary divisions and ensuring a seamless integration with the existing structure. The layout was designed to reduce movement, creating efficient pathways between key areas while ensuring that every workspace benefits from natural light. This focus on spatial efficiency and daylight fosters a comfortable, productive environment for those working within.
Above the laboratory, a complex web of pipes, ducts, and cables forms an intricate technical “crown.” This system necessary for controlling temperature, humidity, and air circulation evokes the chaotic beauty of Medusa’s hair, transforming an otherwise hidden infrastructure into a striking visual statement. The glass-and-metal laboratory below appears pristine and controlled, while the exposed systems above bring a raw, dynamic energy to the space, celebrating the functional aesthetics of modern engineering.
Stripping away layers of the factory’s existing walls revealed the original materials raw brick, concrete, and stone. This decision amplifies the contrast between the old and the new, creating a balanced atmosphere where the tactile presence of history meets the precision of contemporary design. Together, these elements form a harmonious system, each enhancing the other’s presence without overshadowing it.
status: built
year: 2023
area: 465m²
location: Wendlingen am Neckar, DE
team: Vincent Möller, Arthur Neznanow & Nicolás Gómez Herrera