For the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Kai Otto Architekten were commissioned to plan the comprehensive refurbishment of the listed neo-baroque former eye clinic (built between 1898 and 1901) and convert it into a laboratory and office building. Today, the “Translation Center for Regenerative Therapies” of the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISCas well as the “Project Center for Stem Cell Process Engineering”, operated in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, use the historic building for pioneering research in state-of-the-art biolaboratories.

While the university cafeteria on the ground floor remained in operation, the three upper floors and the attic level were refurbished. Due to additional space requirements, the basement was expanded with an underground technical extension. Alongside the new laboratory facilities, light-filled offices and meeting rooms with adjoining terraces were created.

In accordance with the heritage conservation concept, the stucco-decorated entrance area, the historic staircase, the terrazzo-floored corridors, and historic doors were carefully restored, while all functional spaces were modernized to meet contemporary requirements. In addition, the entire building services infrastructure and the outdoor areas were renewed.

Sustainability within the Project

As part of the project, extensive measures were implemented to improve the building’s energy performance. These included insulating the roof structure and replacing the windows with energy-efficient glazing. As a result, the thermal performance of the building envelope was enhanced and overall energy demand was reduced.

In addition, window junctions and reveal areas were upgraded from a building physics perspective. External sun protection further reduces summer heat gain and improves user comfort. The careful preservation and continued use of the existing building fabric also contributes significantly to the resource-conscious development of the property.

The former "Alte Augenklinik" (Old Eye Clinic) on Röntgenring in Würzburg was constructed between 1898 and 1901 under the supervision of the University Construction Office by Rudolf von Horstig d'Aubigny in a neo-baroque architectural style. It consists of a three-story central section with a mansard hipped roof, a central risalit with a portal facade, and two-story corner risalits with balustrade crowning. The neo-baroque architectural style is evident both in the exterior and interior of the building.

Largely undamaged during World War II, it was used to accommodate soldiers. After the war, it was initially occupied by American troops and later served as an eye clinic until its relocation to the Grombühl district in 1970. Subsequently, the historic building on Röntgenring housed the university neurological clinic until the early 1980s. Since 1981, the upper floors of the building have been vacant. During this time, the basement for the refectory and adjacent historic lecture hall building underwent renovation.

The building is not only an architectural monument but also a ground monument and part of the designated ensemble in Würzburg.

Photos: Stefan Müller-Naumann, Ines Jenewein

This project is part of the Architektouren 2024 and can be viewed accompanied on 29.6.2024.