Architecture / urban planning
sutter³ GmbH & Co KG, Freiburg
Client
Meierhof GbR
Completion date
2020
Awards
Bauwerk Schwarzwald e.V. Architecture Route 2022
History
As the former farmstead of the Carthusian monastery of Sankt Johannisberg, founded in 1346 in the Dreisamtal valley, the Meierhof is an integral part of the Kartaus ensemble. It reflects over one hundred and fifty years of development of commercial architecture in rural areas. It is the last example of a monastic farmstead in the Freiburg city area. The core of today's Meierhof was built around 1745 and used as a dwelling, stable and barn to supply the monastery complex. Numerous conversions were carried out in various construction phases.
Design
The use as a farmstead or farmhouse continued even after the monastery was abandoned in 1782. The entire monastery site was acquired by the city of Freiburg, the Heiliggeistspitalstiftung and the Freiburger Beurbarungsgesellschaft in 1894. Its use as a farm was abandoned around 2010. Since then, the building has stood empty. Despite an expert opinion to the contrary, the substance of the Meierhof was largely preserved and renovated.
Thebottom line
The Meierhof is an example of how valuable historical buildings can be successfully preserved through sensible conversion - in this case into living space - despite the most difficult conditions. Funding from the heritage office and favourable KFW loans contributed equally to this.
