NATIONALGALERIE Originally opened in 1968, the iconic building at Berlin’s Kulturforum was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. More than fifty years later, the building underwent a comprehensive refurbishment under the direction of David Chipperfield Architects, with SB5IVE playing a key role as both specialist consultant and executing contractor for architectural concrete restoration.

Integrating Mies van der Rohe’s original design intent into the refurbishment process presented a particular challenge. For this reason, SB5IVE became an essential part of the project team. Our expertise lies in working with existing structures and in preserving the architectural character of historically significant buildings through precise execution on site.

SB5IVE was commissioned as the specialist contractor responsible for the execution and finishing of the architectural concrete works. Our scope of work focused on the coffered ceiling in the basement areas, including the cloakroom and shop zones. In close coordination with the architects and the client, our work included the restoration of rails, surface applications to ceilings, beams and columns, as well as crack repair. In addition, careful visual unification of the ceiling surfaces was required.

Newly constructed masonry walls were also adapted to the very rough existing concrete surfaces of walls, ceilings and columns through a high-quality exposed-concrete imitation. As the columns transition seamlessly into the ceiling, a wide range of concrete surfaces had to be executed and unified with great precision to ensure that no visible distinction remained between existing and new elements.

The complete integration of the existing structure, while maintaining the architectural atmosphere envisioned by Mies van der Rohe, represented an exceptionally demanding task. David Chipperfield Architects deliberately refrained from introducing their own formal signature, instead focusing on the precise preservation of Mies’ original vision. It is this restraint that makes the project so remarkable.

To experience how a design conceived more than sixty years ago can still resonate today and be meaningfully integrated into the 21st century is truly inspiring.