The former residence of JUNG founder Albrecht Jung in Schalksmühle is being repurposed as an innovation think tank and brand meeting space. NGA Nehse & Gerstein Architekten BDA from Hannover won an architectural competition to renovate the historic 1928 villa and add a modern pavilion. The JUNG villa will not serve as a showroom, but rather as an office, event space, and living quarters.
The Wilhelminian-style villa was built in 1928 by architect Fritz Stutzkeitski. At the same time, a new JUNG production facility was constructed beneath the villa, replacing the old one. The villa has served three generations as the private residence of the Jung family. In the mid-1970s, the company’s production and administration moved a few kilometers away, but the villa remained the family home until 2015. Afterwards, Harald Jung and his partners decided not to sell the property, but instead give it a new and modern purpose. This led to the idea of creating a space for innovation, communication, and meetings.
In 2017, JUNG organized a competition for architecture firms less than five years old, aiming to spotlight young talent. From the 33 entries from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Benelux, NGA Nehse & Gerstein Architekten BDA from Hannover was crowned the winner. The candidates were tasked with transforming the villa into a multifunctional building suitable for events, exhibitions, offices, and housing. NGA won due to their realistic project proposal, earning the right to renovate the historic 1928 villa and expand it with a modern pavilion.
The historical integrity of the villa was preserved during the renovation, with much of it being restored. The ground floor interior was given a timeless look with light wooden floors, a coordinated color scheme, and minimalist details. New reception and meeting rooms, two apartments, and office spaces were also created. The villa is entered through a large space in the minimalist new extension. With its vaulted roof, concrete, and glass, the style of the new addition contrasts significantly with the older villa. However, NGA successfully achieved a balanced interplay of past and present, fully in line with JUNG’s aesthetic.
The villa has now officially found a new purpose as a location for events and training. JUNG looks forward to continuing the building’s legacy.
More info: www.jung.de
