About
Wilmina stands for a revitalized ensemble in a unique location. At Kantstraße 79 in Berlin-Charlottenburg, a former courthouse and a women‘s prison were transformed, extended and reprogrammed by Grüntuch Ernst Architects.
The main entrance at Kantstraße 79 leads into the former courthouse, which is now used as the Amtsalon art and cultural space and offers room for a variety of events. The eastern entrance leads to the Hotel Wilmina, the Lovis restaurant, and the Lovis Bar. Next to the hotel reception is the in-house bakery, Wilmina Brot. The ensemble is further extended by a new building housing the Wilmina Apartments and the LOTTA day bar.
Interview with the owners and architects
The goal was to reverse the spatial concept of the building – to transform it from a space of isolation into a social space. In the process, the character of the building was not to be lost – a real challenge. After interventions with targeted openings, superimpositions, displacements and penetrations in the existing building, one can now spatially rediscover the prison without losing the traces of the past.
By means of breakthroughs, the former detention cells were connected to form larger units with different floor plans. The cell doors are still original – but the rooms behind them are now bright and flowing. Before the reconstruction, the small barred windows of the former cells were very high on the facade to block the view to the outside. This opening in the wall was enlarged and the stone window sills were reinstalled further down.
The previously sealed courtyards have been unsealed and lushly landscaped, as have the roofs and facades.
The removed bricks were used for a small extension. Its new, spacecreating wall blends unnoticed into the now lushly overgrown, large garden courtyard – creating a haven of peace in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Berlin‘s City West.
Timeline
Located just outside the gates of Berlin, the criminal court and its associated prison were
constructed as freestanding buildings by the architects Bürckner and Fürstenau.
In April, Hotel Wilmina welcomes its first guests to the former women's prison.
Under the culinary direction of Sophia Rudolph, the restaurant Lovis opens in the former Schleusenhof.
Presse
Awards
Sustainability
Sustainability
Architecture & Construction
Recognised with the German Sustainability Award for Architecture for ecological construction and resource conservation, Wilmina is an outstanding example of the repurposing of existing buildings. The careful renovation of the listed structure significantly reduced CO2 emissions, construction waste and transport costs. Materials such as bricks and steps were reused on site, and the buildings’ thermal mass was utilised for natural air conditioning. Furthermore, the use of high-quality insulation, solid wood and metal without composite materials ensures durability and resource-efficient construction. Converting an unused, decaying building into a functional space represents an ideal transformation process with regard to existing building fabric.
Architecture & Construction
Recognised with the German Sustainability Award for Architecture for ecological construction and resource conservation, Wilmina is an outstanding example of the repurposing of existing buildings. The careful renovation of the listed structure significantly reduced CO2 emissions, construction waste and transport costs. Materials such as bricks and steps were reused on site, and the buildings’ thermal mass was utilised for natural air conditioning. Furthermore, the use of high-quality insulation, solid wood and metal without composite materials ensures durability and resource-efficient construction. Converting an unused, decaying building into a functional space represents an ideal transformation process with regard to existing building fabric.
Sourcing & Cuisine
Wherever possible, we source food from regional producers and small, responsible businesses with whom we have personal contact. We also support many unique companies such as Conflict Food and Weltpartner, which are committed to social justice and good products far beyond normal certification. Seasonal products, a diverse vegetarian offering and a careful selection of animal products from responsible farmers and regional sources help to significantly reduce our ecological footprint. When it comes to fittings and furnishings, we focus on quality, durability and the possibility of repair or refurbishment. We consciously avoid disposable items and reduce them to an absolute minimum in order to conserve resources and sustainably reduce waste.
Sourcing & Cuisine
Wherever possible, we source food from regional producers and small, responsible businesses with whom we have personal contact. We also support many unique companies such as Conflict Food and Weltpartner, which are committed to social justice and good products far beyond normal certification. Seasonal products, a diverse vegetarian offering and a careful selection of animal products from responsible farmers and regional sources help to significantly reduce our ecological footprint. When it comes to fittings and furnishings, we focus on quality, durability and the possibility of repair or refurbishment. We consciously avoid disposable items and reduce them to an absolute minimum in order to conserve resources and sustainably reduce waste.
Energy & Resources
Certified environmental standards and responsible practices form the foundation of our sustainability strategy, guiding us in conserving resources and reducing energy consumption. Through the targeted use of modern technologies, we optimize lighting, water usage, and technical processes to operate efficiently without compromising our guests’ comfort. Our own photovoltaic system supplies part of our energy needs, complemented by renewable energy sources and further sustainable solutions that continuously reduce the hotel’s ecological footprint. The result is a thoughtful balance between efficiency, responsible reduction, and contemporary comfort.
Energy & Resources
Certified environmental standards and responsible practices form the foundation of our sustainability strategy, guiding us in conserving resources and reducing energy consumption. Through the targeted use of modern technologies, we optimize lighting, water usage, and technical processes to operate efficiently without compromising our guests’ comfort. Our own photovoltaic system supplies part of our energy needs, complemented by renewable energy sources and further sustainable solutions that continuously reduce the hotel’s ecological footprint. The result is a thoughtful balance between efficiency, responsible reduction, and contemporary comfort.
Social Commitment
Our hotel is not only a place to stay, but also a space for encounters, education and shared experiences. Diversity among our guests and staff is an integral part of our identity and shapes the open character of Wilmina. We are actively committed to social and environmental responsibility, working closely with our partners across Berlin to promote diversity, sustainability, and meaningful community engagement. As part of this ongoing commitment, we regularly support certified projects of the Jane Goodall Foundation in Berlin and beyond. With our pop-up formats in the Amtsalon, we promote Berlin galleries and artists and create space for contemporary art. Integration of the historic prison cell as a memorial for victims of legal injustice. Preservation of the building’s history as a contribution to social reflection on change and justice.
Social Commitment
Our hotel is not only a place to stay, but also a space for encounters, education and shared experiences. Diversity among our guests and staff is an integral part of our identity and shapes the open character of Wilmina. We are actively committed to social and environmental responsibility, working closely with our partners across Berlin to promote diversity, sustainability, and meaningful community engagement. As part of this ongoing commitment, we regularly support certified projects of the Jane Goodall Foundation in Berlin and beyond. With our pop-up formats in the Amtsalon, we promote Berlin galleries and artists and create space for contemporary art. Integration of the historic prison cell as a memorial for victims of legal injustice. Preservation of the building’s history as a contribution to social reflection on change and justice.
Biodiversity & Greenery
Particular emphasis was placed on reclaiming and designing greenery during the transformation. Approximately 45% of previously sealed surfaces were unsealed and converted into vibrant gardens and green roofs. A total of 1,250 square metres of the building exterior is now covered in greenery, providing a new habitat for birds, insects and plants in the heart of the city. The extensive ivy and diverse landscaping not only contribute to a pleasant microclimate, but also promote urban biodiversity. Wilmina thus combines architecture and nature harmoniously, creating a green refuge in Berlin’s urban landscape.
Biodiversity & Greenery
Particular emphasis was placed on reclaiming and designing greenery during the transformation. Approximately 45% of previously sealed surfaces were unsealed and converted into vibrant gardens and green roofs. A total of 1,250 square metres of the building exterior is now covered in greenery, providing a new habitat for birds, insects and plants in the heart of the city. The extensive ivy and diverse landscaping not only contribute to a pleasant microclimate, but also promote urban biodiversity. Wilmina thus combines architecture and nature harmoniously, creating a green refuge in Berlin’s urban landscape.