HINTERLAND MODERNISM. The Revival of Estrich House in Jüterbog
HINTERLAND MODERNISM. The Revival of Estrich House in Jüterbog

Summary/Abstract: The Estrich House preserved in Jüterbog is among the pioneering works of German-Jewish architect and engineer Konrad Wachsmann that until now have received little attention. The grandson of the builder has initiated construction research in pursuit of a gradual restoration and change of use in accordance with historic conservation principles. In the context of an adequate preservation methodology it becomes clear that Estrich House in Jüterbog is different – in terms of construction, material, architectural shape, and urban planning – from the majority of Konrad Wachsmann’s later work. It does not provide a basis for categorisation into the work of a pragmatic visionary of space rather it raises new questions regarding Konrad Wachsmann’s complete works. With a closer and more critical examination, existing interpretations regarding the architect’s work become questionable. Corresponding conclusions concerning the treatment of his legacy in terms of historic conservation will thereby become necessary. It is exactly that aspect which makes an examination of this building in Jüterbog so exciting. To discuss that issue the Estrich House became a topic in 2008 at the conference “Einstein’s Architekt in der Provinz.” In 2009, within the framework of construction research projects, the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences and the University Zittau-Görlitz examined the current situation of Estrich House in terms of urban planning and conservation. In the same year, the Brandenburg Chamber of Architects included the building in its list of 50 Most Important Buildings of the Weimar Republic. On the local level, the owner of the building is making an effort to involve the citizens of today’s structurally weak Jüterbog in an exchange.

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