Fight for the upside down chest of drawers: Bremen water tower becomes a living dream!

Fight for the upside down chest of drawers: Bremen water tower becomes a living dream!

Bremen, Deutschland - The renovation of a historical water tower, known as the "converted chest of drawers", takes shape on the Bremen Stadtwerder. The 47 meter high water tower, built in 1873 and made of brick, is converted into a residential building with gastronomy. The owners Amer Sandawi and Wolfgang Weber plan a total of 28 condominiums and catering areas on the ground floor. The building application is expected to be submitted before the summer, with a possible start of construction in 2024.

One of the greatest challenges in conversion is the disassembly of two old steel tanks, which took 1,700 cubic meters of Weserwasser. In order to make room for the new apartments, the roof should be raised slightly. The tanks are removed with a crane, while historical elements such as the facade, pipes and steel girders should be preserved. The use of historical building materials such as bricks and Wesersandstein is sought. In addition, sustainability is very important: the use of photovoltaics and heat pumps for environmentally friendly energy use are planned

Details of the conversion

The renovation includes the installation of four new intermediate levels, a stairwell, an elevator and modern electrics and supply lines. Historical windows are preserved while insulating glass windows are used. The walls of the water tower are up to three meters thick, which is why no additional thermal insulation is required. The facade is being renovated and the four towers of the water tower are interpreted higher and modern. The boiler house is also to be renovated and receives a glass roof and new office uses on two levels.

Further plans provide outdoor catering and access stairs to the Wesers side. In addition, a children's playground is planned at the foot of the tower with possible historical components. However, residents express concerns about the sufficient parking lot situation, since only 42 parking spaces are planned. Overall, however, the advisory board is satisfied with the planning.

like surrounded, the composed chest of drawers is not only a historical landmark, but also a striking element of the Bremen cityscape, which was recognized in 1978 as a cultural monument. 30 new building ownership apartments are offered, the marketing of which takes place exclusively by the Robert C. Spies company in Bremen, which has an interdisciplinary team of around 90 specialists.