Architecture / urban planning
sutter³ GmbH & Co KG, Freiburg
Client
Municipality of Kirchzarten
Completion date
2010
Awards
Bauwerk Schwarzwald e.V. Architecture Route 2022
History
First documented mention in 1798 (application for the construction of a saw on the mill stream). The historic, water-powered single-blade high-speed saw was later replaced by a diesel-powered gang saw. In 1897, the "Runzgenossenschaft" was founded, whose members were authorised to operate the mills and use the water to irrigate the meadows and were responsible for the maintenance and care of the weirs, set traps, sluices and ditches of the Mühlenbach. The sawmill was operated from around 1799 until the 1980s.
Renovation workbegan at
in 2010: Conversion of the old sawmill room into an event and festival hall, including the opportunity to view the water wheel and old sawing technology. The old sawmill is a cultural monument of a special kind, as the mill, which has been owned by the municipality for over 150 years, has always symbolised the independence of the municipality.
In order to preserve this cultural monument, the decision was made to split it into two parts: the actual sawmill with its historic (water-powered) high-gear saw and the newer (diesel-powered) gang saw were restored and can now be viewed in a museum setting as a piece of local history. The southern part has been converted into a community hall and function room. Glazed openings in the floor provide a view of the sawmill from the event room.
Much of the interior half-timbered construction was preserved during the renovation, with only the occasional rotten beam having to be replaced. The outside looks different. Here, the outer cladding of the façade has been renewed with light-coloured Douglas fir wood and the roof has also been re-covered.
The bottom line:
Preservation of an industrial monument typical of the region (hydroelectric power, wood processing), now used by the public as an event hall and rooms for clubs, as well as the opportunity to view the old technical equipment. Where work was carried out for almost 200 years, a leisure centre has now been created for the town. This is due not least to the intergenerational design of the outdoor facilities, which enhances the banks of the Mühlbach.
The new "Alte Säge" is an example of a successful renovation with the support of public funds (ELR) and the commitment of local citizens (Bürgerverein Zarten e.V.)
