Reviving Tradition: Buero Wagner's Innovative Boathouse Design

Award-winning design breathes new life into Augsburg Sailing Club's historic boathouse

The Augsburg Sailing Club, established in 1905, is steeped in tradition. The boathouse, now the heart of the club, needed to accommodate the growing needs of the club's young sailors. Buero Wagner, led by Fabian A. Wagner and Edwin Hoffmann, took on the challenge of integrating the necessary premises into the existing structure, creating a space that is both functional and respectful of its history.

One of the key features of the design is the profiled glass wall that separates the new space from the hall. This allows the sailors to enjoy the view of Lake Ammer through the old façade, creating a fitting setting for their training. The design team has successfully created a stimulating ensemble on the inside while preserving the overall impression of the hall.

The design stands out for its use of sustainable materials. In dialogue with the existing structure, Buero Wagner used recyclable and renewable, chemically untreated materials for the interior. All cladding and surfaces were realized in Aleppo pine plywood, giving the room a peaceful feel and contrasting with the historical roof truss. The conversion work is subtle, only hinted at from the outside, but creating a remarkable transformation on the inside.

The project, which spanned from 2017 to 2018, was realized using pine plywood and channel glass. The 120 square meter space now serves as a sailing school, a testament to the club's commitment to nurturing the next generation of sailors. The design tags associated with the project - Pine Plywood, Channel Glass, Rehabilitation, Barn Conversion, Boathouse, Sailing School - reflect the unique blend of tradition and innovation that characterizes the design.

The Boathouse project is a shining example of how design can respect and enhance tradition while meeting contemporary needs. The Silver A' Design Award it received is a recognition of the creativity and professional excellence that Buero Wagner brought to the project. The design is not just a space for training young sailors; it is a celebration of the club's history and a commitment to its future.