parchim cultural hub expansion revitalizes historic red brick mill from 1897 in germany

D/FORM Architects renovates cultural hub in Germany

D/FORM Architects reveals Kulturmühle Parchim, a dynamic cultural hub, including the historic Eldemühle mill in Parchim, Germany. This extensive renovation marks the revitalization of the last large operating mill in Mecklenburg, which had been closed for 15 years. The renovation preserved the industrial character and spatial qualities of the heritage-listed six-story mill complex from 1897. Historic red brick walls, wooden beam ceilings, and the steel structure remain exposed, while the new fixtures maintain a bare and rustic materiality. The modern extension in the former courtyard reflects the proportions, materiality, and vertical facade structure of the original mill building. Interpreted with a contemporary twist, its curved brick facade evokes the image of a theater curtain.

all images by Studio Bowie

Kulturmühle Parchim adopts the structure of the mill building

D/FORM Architects transformed the site into a versatile cultural complex, situated between the former town fortifications and a branch of the River Elde. This vibrant cultural hub serves as a dynamic civic meeting point. Spearheaded by the district of Ludwigslust-Parchim this effort, and the revitalized Eldemühle now houses the Mecklenburg State Theater for North German Drama (Fritz-Reuter-Bühne), the Children and Youth Theatre (Junges Staatstheater Parchim), and the Parchim Town Museum. 

The Berlin-based architecture studio added a new annex to house the theater at the core of the complex. Featuring a centrally located stage, theater workshops, rehearsal spaces, and dressing rooms on the upper floors, the theater provides an ideal setting for performances and rehearsals. 

the expansion includes the historic Eldemühle mill

the renovation project renews the German city’s waterfront

The waterfront of the newly created ensemble enhances the cityscape and encourages public engagement with Parchim as a lively residential and cultural location. The renovation preserves the historic identity of the Eldemühle Mill while reimagining its function. The flowing motion of the mill’s former conveyor belts has been translated into visitor circulation from the shared foyer through a central staircase connecting the old and new building wings. With this transformation D/FORM Architects breathes new life into the Eldemühle, securing its legacy for the German city.

historic brick walls, wooden beam ceilings, and the steel structure remain exposed

the renovation preserved the industrial character and spatial qualities of the six-story mill complex

enhancing the cityscape with the newly created ensemble

an ideal setting for performances and rehearsals is provided by the renewed theater

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this transformation has breathed new life into the Eldemühle

visitor circulation reflects the flowing motion of the mill’s former conveyor belts

a central staircase connecting the old and new building wings

the industrial character of the listed mill complex from 1897 remains intact

the manufactoring factory now houses the museum

 

ground floor plan with the depiction of existing and new by D/FORM Architects

4th floor plan with the depiction of existing and new by D/FORM Architects

project info:

name: Kulturmühle Parchim
architect: D/FORM architects
collaborators: HTG Hoch-und Tiefbau Gadebusch
client: District of Ludwigslust-Parchim
location: Parchim, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany
photographer: Studio Bowie | @studiobowie

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom