Brick to Light Renovates a Former Barracks House in Münster
Amy Duong — December 26, 2025 — Art & Design
References: schueringarchitekten.de
Brick to Light is a renovation of a former barracks house in Münster, Germany, completed by local studio Andreas Schüring Architekten. Originally part of a military complex built in 1913, the house was retained when the wider site was redeveloped into the car-free Gartensiedlung Weißenburg neighbourhood. The project treats renovation as a seamless continuation, preserving the building’s brick structure while introducing timber, steel, and glass. The layout was reorganised across four levels, including a basement and a new attic studio, after most internal walls were removed to create a more open plan.
A full-height stair set against a white-painted brick wall connects all floors, allowing daylight from roof skylights to filter through the interior. At ground level, a carved entrance niche leads into an open living, dining, and kitchen space that opens westward to the garden through full-height glazing. Above, bedrooms are positioned behind curtains and built-in timber storage, while the extended mansard roof forms a fully glazed attic studio designed as a glass lantern.
Image Credit: Andreas Schüring Architekten
A full-height stair set against a white-painted brick wall connects all floors, allowing daylight from roof skylights to filter through the interior. At ground level, a carved entrance niche leads into an open living, dining, and kitchen space that opens westward to the garden through full-height glazing. Above, bedrooms are positioned behind curtains and built-in timber storage, while the extended mansard roof forms a fully glazed attic studio designed as a glass lantern.
Image Credit: Andreas Schüring Architekten
Trend Themes
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Sustainable Roof Conversions — Historic roof conversions integrate sustainable materials like timber and glass to reduce environmental footprint while preserving heritage.
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Open-plan Living Spaces — Renovations emphasize open-plan living, transforming traditional interiors into modern, light-filled spaces beneficial for flexible living arrangements.
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Car-free Neighborhood Development — The development of car-free neighborhoods showcases a shift towards urban spaces prioritizing pedestrian-friendly, environmentally-conscious living areas.
Industry Implications
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Architectural Renovation — The architectural renovation industry is innovating with a focus on blending historical preservation with modern sustainability practices.
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Urban Planning and Development — Urban planning is increasingly exploring car-free models, creating environments that prioritize sustainability and community-driven design.
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Sustainable Construction Materials — The use of timber and glass highlights the construction industry's shift towards materials that minimize environmental impact while maintaining design integrity.
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