Built in 1785, the Faktorenhaus in Schönbach once served as a residence and workplace for a linen trader—known as a “Faktor”—in the textile-producing region of Upper Lusatia. In 2020, the historic half-timbered structure was sensitively modernized by Atelier ST for use as the headquarters of a contemporary furniture company. The resulting architecture is both grounded in tradition and subtly transformed for a new chapter of use.
The surrounding Upper Lusatian landscape, stretching from Dresden to the Czech border, is dotted with centuries-old “Umgebindehäuser”—vernacular hybrids of Slavic log cabins and German half-timbered construction. These houses typically feature a heavy stone base, above which sits a timber-framed upper floor. At the core is the distinctive “Blockstube”—a log-built living room encased in a load-bearing wooden frame.
In the revitalized Faktorenhaus, this central room has been preserved and reimagined as a semi-public space: a seminar kitchen where staff and guests gather to cook together. The design balances heritage and modernity, pairing carefully restored architectural features with bold new elements like a steel-clad fireplace and clean-lined furnishings.
Atelier ST sought to preserve the original spirit of the building while adapting it to new functions. Though larger skylights were initially proposed, they were rejected by the heritage authorities. The architects responded with a long, narrow dormer fitted with small, repeating windows—a gesture that honors the rhythm of the traditional bat dormers.
The real surprise lies inside: visitors entering the building are met with unexpectedly high ceilings and generous spatial openness. Large roof openings flood the upper level with daylight, while exposed timber beams and trusses reveal the building’s past. Painted entirely white, the interior becomes a quiet backdrop for vibrant colors and contemporary materials.
The architects selected the FSB 1102 model—a reinterpretation of the classic Gropius lever handle by Alessandro Mendini from 1986—for both doors and windows. Executed in dark-patinated bronze, the hardware underscores the house’s dialogue between old and new. The choice reflects a desire to convey durability, refinement, and a sense of cultural continuity.
For the sliding doors, recessed pulls of model FSB 42 4250 were used—also in bronze. Together, the hardware elements contribute to a design that respects historical craftsmanship while embracing modern life.
