Extension Historical Museum of the Palatinate Read more

The redesign of the extension is influenced by three primary factors: the great urban potential of its location at the southern entrance to the city, in close proximity to Speyer Cathedral; the 1910-listed main building of the museum, which should remain unobstructed; and the base structure of the 1990 extension, which will be preserved and reimagined to explore new design possibilities.
By situating the café and event area on the existing plinth rather than on the roof, as initially required, this space opens up to the historic cathedral surroundings, creating an all-around glazed city terrace. Above this terrace, a large roof shelters the exhibition area and protects it from daylight. Despite its size, the low-pitched hipped roof complements the listed main building with a restrained design, ensuring clear views of the corner area. The distinct shape of the roof grants the extension a sense of independence, distancing it from the solitary four-winged structure of the original building.
This reconfiguration offers an additional benefit: the reduced direct loads on the existing plinth ceiling eliminate the need for costly structural reinforcements. Moreover, the new access route from the old building to the glazed terrace floor, and from there to the exhibition space, enhances spatial appeal. The ceiling above will be appropriately dimensioned for exhibition use, with its loads distributed to the existing structure at key points.
The design also emphasizes sustainability and circular construction. The steel beams from the existing building are reused to reinforce the ceiling and serve as secondary beams in the roof structure. Additionally, the sandstone slabs from the plinth cladding are recut and repurposed, maintaining the architectural integrity and minimizing waste.