Initial situation and objectives

On a plot of land in Wokuhl-Dabelow in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania there is a residential building with a former post office and a stable barn. The residential building was built in 1882, while the year of construction for the stable barn is unknown. These are simple rural buildings whose heritage value does not appear obvious at first glance, especially as they have been empty since the end of the 1990s due to unresolved ownership issues and are already affected by progressive decay. Nevertheless, the buildings have been listed since 1998 and no justification for their heritage value has yet been provided.

The starting point for the intensive examination of this ensemble was the planning office humantektur PartGmbB's interest in purchasing it. The aim was to renovate the buildings in line with their listed status and put them to a new use. This work was intended to create a basis for this project. In the course of the work, humantektur PartGmbB withdrew from the purchase interest due to legal uncertainties. Nevertheless, the original objective was pursued in order to develop perspectives for the preservation and possible future use of the buildings.

The ensemble was analysed in terms of its architectural history in order to highlight its historical significance and conservation value. As part of the building research and damage analysis, the current structural condition was recorded and the causes of existing damage were analysed. On this basis, a utilisation concept, renovation measures and energy improvements were developed, taking funding opportunities into account. Finally, a cost estimate was made for the refurbishment.

Summary of the results

The farmstead at Gnewitzer Stra?e 2 in Wokuhl-Dabelow is located in the historic centre of Wokuhl. It is a more recent type of farmstead, which was inhabited by farmers. The house was built in 1882 as a Ernhaus in the Frederician architectural style and was used as a post office as well as a residence. The year of construction of the stable barn could not be determined, but structural features such as the half-timbered construction and monastery-style bricks indicate an earlier construction period. While the residential building has largely been preserved in its original state, the stable barn has undergone several phases of remodelling.

The buildings show extensive damage due to a lack of repair work. Significant deformations were measured on the residential building, which was built from a mixed construction of brick and clay bricks, which led to increased cracking. An in-depth damage analysis revealed that the damage was caused by subsidence of the fieldstone foundations. In addition, a high level of nitrate contamination was found in the adobe bricks. Damage caused by wood-degrading organisms such as the common nail beetle and longhorn beetle as well as brown and mould rot fungi was also identified on the timber structures of both buildings. Mycelium of dry rot was also found in the residential building. The causes of the damage are insufficiently deep foundations, lack of roof drainage, lack of waterproofing measures and defects in the roof cladding. In addition, improper remodelling of the stable barn led to cracks.

With the aim of preserving the listed building fabric, a utilisation and renovation concept was developed on the basis of building research. Building law requirements and the dimensions of sustainability were taken into account. The concept takes up aspects of the historical use and envisages a holiday use for the residential building based on cluster living with a mixture of private and communal spaces. The stable barn is to serve as a multifunctional event space that can be rented out as well as used by the village community. The concept also includes an energy-efficient refurbishment of the residential building, which is eligible for funding in accordance with the federal subsidy criteria for energy-efficient buildings.

Extensive refurbishment measures are necessary to permanently remedy the causes of the damage, which require major interventions in the listed building fabric. This includes underpinning the foundations, installing waterproofing, desalination measures and the force-fit needling of cracks. Areas affected by dry rot must be treated generously and damaged wooden components must be replaced. Thermal treatment is also advisable.

The scope of the refurbishment is also reflected in the calculated costs. The cost estimate was carried out in accordance with DIN 276 and resulted in total costs of 882,779.00 Euro. An estimated share of 154,924.00 Euro was calculated for the energy-efficient refurbishment. Funding for this can currently be applied for as part of the federal subsidy for efficient buildings.