A stark art gallery transformed into a warm architecture studio

New architectural trends, mindful of the climate crisis, have long considered restoration more desirable than demolition to minimise the carbon footprint. This is the same approach Studio Dreee embraced when tackling their new office in Unterbilk, the most vibrant and dynamic district of Düsseldorf (Germany).

“This project exemplifies our approach of ‘building within existing structures’, where respect for the past is applied in an innovative and cutting-edge manner,” the studio explains. For instance, the old gallery floor, with evident signs of wear, has been preserved to both avoid wasting resources and enhance the history of the place.

“Sustainable design is the foundation of this project: the reuse of building components and the use of resource-efficient materials underline this holistic concept. This decision is not only of great ecological importance but also reflects modern architecture's responsibility towards the environment and existing resources,” Studio Dreee explains.

For all the above reasons, Dekton was used for the project, a cradle-to-grave carbon-neutral material that uses almost exclusively recycled water in its production and boasts a long lifespan (with a 25-year warranty).

“The decision to use Cosentino surfaces, specifically Dekton Sabbia, stemmed from the ambition to introduce an elegant and contemporary materiality that sensitively interacts with the existing structure without overshadowing the character of the former gallery. This Cosentino product offers not only visual depth and a serene aesthetic that subtly reflects the new office function but also meets high standards of durability, ease of maintenance, and tactile quality, key parameters for semi-public spaces with changing uses,” the architects explain.

In this regard, the professionals highlight the matte texture of Dekton Sabbia, which “creates tactile warmth and an almost homely atmosphere.” In their view, this deliberately contrasts with the raw and untouched nature of the old gallery without drawing too much attention, acting as a mediating layer between the previous context and the new architectural intervention.

By ‘the new intervention’, the architects mainly refer to the striking ‘cube’ with rounded corners introduced by the studio, which redefines the narrative of the former gallery with a single bold gesture. This contains the workspaces and offers a practical storage area, as well as a bathroom and an ‘ideas laboratory’.

“As a spatial element, it organises the internal layout, from the open entrance, through a permeable circulation corridor, to the semi-public and private work areas. The deliberate and visible interaction between the old and the new is noteworthy: a carefully staged contrast achieved by combining the high-quality preservation of existing structures—such as the original light fixtures, the patina of the floor, or the brass-clad façade elements—with precise and elegant new additions,” Studio Dreee explains.

And they continue: “To achieve the project's success, it was essential to integrate the new architectural intervention into the existing structure with material sensitivity, precision, and decisive design. The intervention remains visible at all times, creating transitions rather than breaks. As a unifying design element, the materiality of Dekton Sabbia colour by Cosentino extends as a guiding thread throughout the project, used in the work area, meeting room, and bathroom floor. It serves as a subtle yet distinctive implication of the new use, plastically conveying the transformation into an office structure and translating it into a serene and material gesture that connects the existing with the future.”

The bathroom floor is clad with Dekton Sabbia because the original could not be preserved due to irreversible damage. To replace it, Cosentino's surface was chosen for its ability to combine the aesthetic sought by the studio with maximum functionality. It was also used for the large worktop with an integrated sink.

“Dekton Sabbia proved particularly convincing due to its high durability, resistance to scratches and stains, and insensitivity to moisture and temperature fluctuations, essential properties for high-traffic areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Especially in a multifunctional office with semi-public uses, where spaces are regularly used by different people, it was crucial to choose a robust and low-maintenance material that met architectural standards and required minimal care. Dekton successfully combines these functional qualities with a sober and elegant materiality, a clear added value for a project that perfectly reconciles the existing structure with the new use,” Studio Dree concludes.