House of the Protestant Military Chaplaincy
Berlin
2018 - today
LP 1 - 9
Rehabilitation in accordance with the preservation order
Since 2018, we have been entrusted with the comprehensive refurbishment of the Protestant military chaplaincy building at Jebensstraße 3 in Berlin. The work is being carried out in stages during ongoing operations and in close coordination with the monument protection authority. The aim of the project is to preserve the historical substance of the building, meet the functional requirements of a modern administration and at the same time make the special representative rooms a new experience.
History and significance
The building was constructed in 1910-1911 by architects Adolf Bürckner and Fritz Herrmann and originally served as the headquarters of the Evangelical High Church Council. Today it is owned by the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) and is used and managed by the Evangelical Military Bishop through the Protestant Chaplaincy in the German Armed Forces (HESB).
The five-storey building consists of a front building, middle wing and transverse building, which together with a neighboring building enclose an inner courtyard. The building has been remodeled several times over the decades, but its basic structure has been retained. In addition to office space, it now houses an event hall, a canteen and an archive.
Renovation stages and measures
2018-2021: Pollutant and basic renovation
The project began with the remediation of pollutants in the roof area and the renovation of the WC facilities with modern technical equipment in the front building. Handmade tiles in muted colors were used, which are based on historical models and give the building a dignified atmosphere.
2021-2023: Repair and reorganization
The next step was the careful renovation of two office wings in the middle wing. In addition to structural repairs, the areas were reorganized and adapted to today's work processes. The work is based on a new fire protection concept, which is being implemented in all construction phases.
A particular focus was placed on the "White Hall" in the transverse building on the second floor. The former sanitary and kitchen area was converted into a spacious foyer that meets today's event requirements. Historic floor coverings were uncovered and restored, doors and fittings were reconstructed according to historical models. The historic organ was removed, restored and reinstalled during the work.
2024-2025: Redesign of the bishop's area and social use
A central component of the current measures is the reorganization of the bishop's area on the second floor of the front building. The aim was to make functional adjustments while preserving the historical design.
The differentiation of the rooms is reflected in the floor coverings: While blue carpeting was laid in offices, the representative areas were given solid oak strip parquet in a classic installation with a frieze and wenge vein. The parquet flooring in the bishop's office was preserved and restored. In addition, historic doors were refurbished and missing elements were faithfully reproduced.
The corridor was transformed into an open lounge area with a bar table and kitchenette, and is given a special atmosphere by a beam art installation with integrated lighting. The result is a harmonious overall picture that combines tradition and contemporary use.
At the same time, the Caritas social station, which operates in the area around Zoologischer Garten station, was renovated on the first floor of the transverse building.
Outlook
The refurbishment will continue in the coming years. The plans include
Upper floors: conversion of former storage rooms into a spacious hall
Basement (from 2026): New entrance from the parking lot with kitchenette and WC facilities
First floor: Barrier-free canteen with modern kitchen and redesigned corridor area
Jebensstraße main entrance: Comprehensive renovation of the foyer, staircase and gate, including uncovering the historic stone floor
Conclusion
The renovation of the House of Protestant Military Chaplaincy is carefully bringing an important building in Berlin's church and administrative history into the present. The project combines monument protection, functional renewal and architectural quality - and thus secures the long-term use of this historic site as the seat of the Protestant Military Bishop and the Protestant Church Office for the German Armed Forces.
Chronology of the measures
| Year(s) | Measure |
| 2018 | Pollutant remediation in the roof |
| 2020-2021 | WC facilities front building |
| 2020-2022 | Façade renovation and external blinds |
| 2021-2022 | 1st floor side wing (halls, offices, WCs, kitchenette, corridor) |
| 2022-2023 | 2nd floor side wing (offices, WCs) |
| 2022-2023 | Ground floor front building (offices) |
| 2024-2025 | 1st floor front building (bishop's area) |
| 2024-2025 | Ground floor rear building (Caritas social station) |
| from 2025 | Ground floor side wing (canteen, building application in preparation) |
| from 2026 | Entrance and gate (UG/EG), stairwell VH, UG front building (WC facilities, kitchenette, hallway) |
