The JUNG Founder's Villa

Schalksmühle, Germany

The former residence of company founder Albrecht Jung in Schalksmühle is being given a new purpose as a think tank and meeting and service centre for the JUNG brand. At the beginning of 2017, an open competition was launched for young architectural firms to design the conversion and extension of the historic villa, which dates back to 1928. The competition focused on the preservation and transformation of the founder's villa and the construction of a new pavilion.

Video © 9Sekunden

Wall colours from the Les Couleurs® Le Corbusier® colour palette lend rooms freshness and cheerfulness. In the large meeting room in the colour vert anglais pâle (32042), the conference table and ceiling light match the radius of the semi-circular bay window.

Photo © Henrik Schipper

Future needs origin. The villa in Schalksmühle, built in 1928 for the company founder Albrecht Jung was reopened in spring 2024 as a meeting and service centre.
The building technology of the refurbished JUNG founder's villa with building relies on renewable energies, on a responsible use of resources and - unlike what you would expect from an electrical manufacturer - on the use of technology that is reduced to the bare essentials. The JUNG founder's villa is not a showroom. It is a multifunctional office, event and residential building. The issues of responsibility, attitude and efficiency will play an important role in the refurbishment and operation.

The fireplace room is designed in vert anglais clair (32041). The view through the three-panelled folding door wall leads back into the foyer to the entrance door.

Photo © Henrik Schipper

Clearly labelled symbols mark the routes. Lighting accents accompany the transition between the villa and the new building.

Photo © Henrik Schipper

A curved staircase sculpture made of lacquered steel with monolithic handrails leads to the "counter hall".

Photo © Henrik Schipper

The new building, the "counter hall", is accessed via a sculptural, curved staircase construction made from white lacquered steel, which monolithically handrails and steps.

Photo © Henrik Schipper

In the villa, individual walls and interiors set colourful accents. The technical details are skilfully and visibly integrated throughout.

Photo © © ARCHITEKTUR: NGA NEHSE & GERSTEIN ARCHITEKTEN BDA, FOTOS:

LS TOUCH

Photo © Henrik Schipper

Franz Schneider Brakel GmbH + Co KG

Photo © Henrik Schipper

Clear forms and dark colours dominate the lavatory and throughout the new building.

Photo © Henrik Schipper

In der Villa setzen einzelne Wände und Interieurs farbige Akzente. Dabei sind die technischen Details überall gekonnt sichtbar eingepasst.

Photo © Henrik Schipper

In the lowered new building, the entrance, cloakroom and gallery lead into the main room with its striking pillar, which opens the garden level.

Photo © Henrik Schipper

In interiors, great importance was haptic surfaces and a harmonious interplay of materiality and colour.

Photo © Henrik Schipper

The JUNG founder's villa is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a testimony to sustainable building and the highest quality standards. When selecting the materials and products, particular emphasis was placed on durability, functionality and environmental compatibility.

Photo © Henrik Schipper

In 2025, the Gründervilla was honoured for the modern redesign with the "Winner" award in the category "Excellent Architecture". The jury of the German Design Award particularly emphasised the successful combination of historical substance and modern design, creating an inspiring place for meetings and services. With its decision, the jury has confirmed what we have known for a lengthy time: The future needs a past.

Photo © Henrik Schipper

Future needs origin. The JUNG founder's villa.

Manufacturers: JUNG

Year: 2024
Client: Albrecht JUNG GmbH & Co. KG
Team: Artemide S.p.A., ERCO GmbH, Burckhardt Metall Glas GmbH, IP-Company, FSB Franz Schneider Brakel GmbH + Co KG, Keimfarben GmbH, S.Siedle & Söhne, Vitra, JUNG, Nehse & Gerstein Architects BDA