Unique³ Cube

"Everything but ordinary" – with UNIQUE³, an unconventional project is being created in Saarbrücken with an exemplary conversion of vacant office space into contemporary residential lofts. Through costly modernisation measures (refurbishment of the energy supply, an extension and the planting of greenery), the area of the former Siemens office, consisting of office building, a canteen and workshops, will undergo an astonishing transformation in order to create an attractive residential district. The result is a self-contained ensemble which is close to the city and accommodates a wide range of demands that respectfully deal with the area’s historical heritage.

Following the departure of Siemens AG and the sale of the administrative building to an Irish fund company in 2010, the complex appeared to be decaying. The classification as a unique protected building turned out to be both a blessing and a curse, as the curtain walls facade has not been redeveloped since then, thus leaving it without any noticeable impairment in terms of its documented value. The Unique³ project has taken up this challenge and has harmonised the prevention of heat loss, noise insulation, protection against fire and the preservation of protected buildings with a "building in building" concept. Due to a recessed second facade, the building largely preserves its appearance from a preservation point of view and still achieves "KfW 55" energy standard. The reduction of the room depths also enables economical residential use. It creates open spaces with luxurious loggias, spacious apartments flooded with light "lofts" in the true sense of the word ("storage or industrial spaces converted into apartments") with room heights up to 3.80 m, concrete surfaces and visible structural details, which allow the original structural concept to be experienced.

Technical aspects of the construction Construction: reinforced concrete ribbed ceilings are exposed and remain visible, all partition walls and facades in lightweight construction (drywall, high-quality aluminium cassettes) Noise insulation: VDI 4100 noise installation level 2 (increased noise installation in high buildings) Prevention of heat loss: KfW efficient building 55 Building technology: Connection to district heating, water heating via residential stations in accordance with the current drinking water ordinance. Development: Cement-bound floor coatings, real wood parquet, tiled wet areas Outdoor area: open parking spaces with standard tree-sized new plantings, carports, underground parking (existing). All flat roofs are covered with greenery.