Catholic Military Chaplaincy – Guest Rooms
Extensive renovation while operations continue
Berlin
2015–2016
Inventory and Location
The headquarters of the Catholic Military Bishopric of Berlin is located in a historic barracks complex on Weidendamm in Berlin-Mitte. The corner building, constructed in 1902 and originally designed as an administrative and residential building, now houses offices as well as a guesthouse for the Catholic Military Chaplaincy.
Project and Implementation
About 15 years after the guesthouse was established, a comprehensive renovation of the guest rooms and restroom facilities became necessary. In 2015 and 2016, the project was carried out in two phases following planning and construction supervision. The goal was to carry out a sustainable renovation while the facility remained open.
Interior design
The guest rooms and bathrooms have been given a contemporary, minimalist design. Clean lines and a calm, understated aesthetic create a welcoming atmosphere. Minimalist built-in furniture in shades of blue and gray replaces the former veneer furniture and emphasizes the functional focus of the rooms.
Usage and Design in Detail
The rooms are designed for short-term stays. A specially developed furnishing concept supports the “life out of a suitcase” lifestyle, for example through built-in luggage racks and compact desks that double as laptop workstations.
To enhance the spatial effect, targeted layout adjustments were made and a balanced color scheme was developed. Gradations of light and dark create depth and tranquility, particularly in the sometimes cramped rooms. In the bathrooms, full-length mirrors and large-format tiles with subtle grout colors enhance the sense of visual space.
Artistic accents are provided by works by Berlin artists Toni Wirthmüller and Klaus Zolondowski, which are integrated into the color scheme as striking focal points.