Architectural Cases

In the vibrant city of Milan, an innovative architectural endeavor led by P•A•N architects has breathed new life into a former postmodern office building, reimagining it as Casa LL, a sophisticated private dwelling. This transformation, completed in 2025, spans 250 square meters and centers on the thoughtful manipulation of interior spaces. The design philosophy prioritizes the interplay of light and raw, abstract materials, resulting in a home that seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with functional living. The project strategically uses elements like steel to sculpt and define the voids within the structure, creating an open and airy atmosphere. Located on the southern periphery of Milan, Casa LL stands as a testament to the potential for revitalizing urban spaces through visionary architectural intervention.

This comprehensive renovation project in Milan showcases a distinctive approach to residential architecture, where an existing postmodern office structure has been meticulously converted into a private home. The architects at P•A•N focused on cultivating a serene and visually striking environment by meticulously crafting the areas between solid elements. The careful integration of natural light throughout the residence highlights the chosen raw and abstract materials, giving the interiors a contemporary and understated elegance. The project's completion in 2025 underscores a commitment to innovative design, particularly in its clever use of materials such as steel to articulate spatial boundaries and enhance the overall sense of openness. Casa LL redefines modern urban living by converting an industrial past into a residential future.

Transforming an Office into a Modern Home

The Casa LL project by P•A•N architects represents a significant adaptive reuse initiative in Milan, converting a postmodern office building into a 250 m² private residence. Completed in 2025, the design strategy primarily focused on the creation of dynamic internal voids and the strategic use of light. The architectural team emphasized a raw, abstract material palette, including prominent steel elements, to define and enhance the spatial experience, offering a unique living space on the southern edge of Milan.

This ambitious renovation thoughtfully reconfigured the existing office layout to suit residential needs, prioritizing open spaces and natural illumination. The architects skillfully used light as a design tool, guiding it through the interior to highlight textures and volumes. Materials such as steel were not merely structural but integral to the aesthetic, contributing to the abstract and minimalist character of the home. This blend of functionality and artistic vision results in a residence that feels both expansive and intimately connected to its urban surroundings, reflecting a modern sensibility while respecting the building's original postmodern shell.

The Essence of Light and Materiality in Design

At the core of Casa LL's design is a profound exploration of light and materiality, where P•A•N architects utilized these elements to sculpt the interior landscape of the former Milanese office. The focus on raw and abstract materials, notably steel, was crucial in defining the voids and solid forms, shaping an environment that is both visually stimulating and deeply functional. This approach allowed for a sophisticated reinterpretation of the building's character, transforming it into a cohesive private dwelling.

The meticulous selection of materials such as various types of steel and other raw finishes contributes significantly to the home's overall atmosphere. These materials, when paired with thoughtfully integrated lighting, enhance the perception of space and create a serene yet modern ambiance. The design carefully balances the tactile qualities of the surfaces with the ethereal presence of natural and artificial light, ensuring that each area of the 250 m² residence offers a distinct experience. This deliberate emphasis on light and raw materials not only transforms the physical structure but also enriches the living experience within Casa LL.

The esteemed DAM Preis 2026 has been bestowed upon Peter Grundmann Architekten for their remarkable transformation of the ZK/U Center for Art and Urbanistics in Berlin. This adaptive reuse initiative reimagined a disused single-story warehouse at a freight station in Berlin-Moabit, converting it into a dynamic cultural meeting point. The jury lauded the firm's ingenious and resource-conscious strategy, which involved enveloping the existing structure in a lightweight steel-and-glass shell and adding an additional floor, all achieved with substantial manual effort and a restrained budget. This project, a collaborative endeavor with the non-profit KUNSTrePUBLIK e. V., significantly enhances the extensive public programming that has been a cornerstone of the former freight station since 2012, encompassing exhibitions, performances, artist residencies, and community events.

The Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM), in collaboration with JUNG, orchestrates the multi-phase DAM Preis selection process. The ZK/U Center garnered recognition for its meticulous construction, where the structural loads are transparently articulated and effectively redirected to new supporting columns. The original building's integrity was largely maintained, with non-load-bearing walls preserved and the ground floor's former storage hall retained as an open space that now serves as the primary event area. Below, a vaulted cellar has been ingeniously adapted to house exhibition spaces and a bar, further expanding the center's functionality.

A notable design feature is the new lightweight external layer, composed mainly of glass and minimal steel, which encases the existing structure. This innovative envelope provides thermal regulation and meets energy efficiency standards without requiring heavy insulation. On the entrance side, it creates a welcoming foyer and windbreak, while extending six meters deep on the garden side to accommodate an inviting bar area. A pre-stressed slab supports the newly introduced second floor, and strategically recessed facades offer effective solar shading. A spacious access gallery facilitates movement throughout all rooms and enhances the interior's adaptability, while exterior steel staircases connect both levels to an expansive roof terrace. The ZK/U is thoughtfully integrated within a public park, which is actively managed by the associated non-profit organization.

For the 2026 DAM Preis, nominated buildings were required to have been completed between late 2023 and spring 2025. Approximately one hundred buildings and ensembles were identified through extensive research by DAM and a panel of expert advisors. In the subsequent phase, a jury, led by architect Aline Hielscher, narrowed down the candidates to a shortlist of 21 projects. Following site visits and deliberations, the ZK/U Center for Art and Urbanistics was ultimately selected as the winner, alongside four other distinguished projects. These included Wohnen F // 9 by Aretz Dürr Architektur in Cologne, Das robuste Haus – Multi-generational House Görzer128 by Etal. in Munich, Overnight shelter with medical facilities by Hild Und K Architekten in Munich, and Dual-school Allee der Kosmonauten by PPAG Architects in Berlin.

The 2026 edition of the DAM Preis underscores several prominent trends in contemporary German architecture. Residential projects continue to feature prominently among the nominations, reflecting a thoughtful re-evaluation of traditional floor plans to align with evolving lifestyles. In the realm of cultural architecture, there's a discernible shift from constructing iconic, standalone structures to cultivating 'third places' that offer enriched public programs and foster community engagement. The increasing prevalence of timber and timber-hybrid constructions highlights a growing commitment to sustainable building practices. Moreover, adaptive reuse, renovation, and conversion projects remain crucial in revitalizing underutilized urban centers and breathing new life into existing infrastructure.

The DAM Preis 2026 awarded to Peter Grundmann Architekten for the ZK/U Center for Art and Urbanistics stands as a testament to innovative and sustainable architectural practice. The project exemplifies a resourceful approach to transforming an industrial relic into a vibrant cultural hub, integrating community programming and environmentally conscious design. This recognition further emphasizes the evolving landscape of German architecture, characterized by adaptive reuse, sustainable materials, and a focus on creating inclusive public spaces that cater to contemporary societal needs.