Redevelopment of the Bürk site: Sense & Benefit
Since the Bürk area has received a lot of media attention in recent years, and because transparency in our projects is important to us, we have compiled the most compelling reasons for the redevelopment of the area for you; so that you know why we have approached this project with so much passion and are also convinced of its benefit to the general welfare of the city.
Historical heritage of our city
The Bürk site is of great historical significance for our city , as the Württemberg clock factory Bürk & Sons achieved international success during the heyday of the German clock industry between 1880 and 1914. Along with other burgeoning companies in the sector, it helped Schwenningen become one of the world's most renowned clockmaking centers . However, clock production came to a standstill due to the First World War and the economic crisis of the 1920s. Despite an initial recovery after the Second World War, clock manufacturers in the Black Forest were unable to capitalize on the economic boom of the 1950s and 1960s to the same extent as other sectors. Consequently, Bürk & Sons was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1984.
After the factory was partially demolished, the building was renovated. Some areas were converted into apartments for the general public and for students.
To keep the legacy of outstanding industrial achievements alive, a clock museum was also opened in the historic building in 1994.
After our plan to transform the Bürk site into a museum quarter failed with the adoption of the 2024/2025 budget, we began implementing Plan B. Within the existing buildings, which currently house 60 student apartments, and the adjacent residential building, a total of 82 sustainable, modern loft-style apartments for students will be created. The gutting of the building sections is currently in full swing. This renovation will preserve the Bürk site as a relic of Schwenningen's past and restore the building structure, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Peter Fürderer with Jürgen Kern from the Behnisch architectural firm at the construction site in the Bürk area
Outdated technology and deteriorated building fabric
The creation of modern living facilities for students in the historic buildings is hampered by outdated electricity meters with inadequate fire protection , obsolete heating systems and a general lack of energy efficiency.
Implementing all measures in a way that complies with legal requirements necessitates extensive planning – and, due to the listed building status, meticulous planning down to the smallest detail. Our renovation work includes, among other things:
- Extensive renovation work in the apartments, and in particular the modernization of the bathrooms.
- Modernizing the home's electrical system by installing digital electricity meters provides greater transparency in energy consumption, early fault detection, and increased safety.
- Replacing windows for improved thermal insulation and reduced energy consumption, as well as increased living comfort through protection against moisture.
- Replacing the existing heating system with a pellet-gas hybrid solution: High security of supply thanks to two independent energy sources (basic supply with pellet heating, gas heating automatically switches on in case of extreme low temperatures or a defect), lower heating costs and significant CO₂ savings speak for themselves.
Following the completion of this work, the installation of new kitchen units and completely new furnishings for the apartments are planned. The renovations are scheduled for completion in autumn 2026, so the apartments will be ready for occupancy in time for the start of the winter semester.
Cityscape and urban development
As the site of the Clock Museum, the Bürk site is a public space and thus part of the character of the city of Schwenningen. Its central location in the heart of Schwenningen is particularly noteworthy, as it inevitably contributes to the city's overall appearance . With its "Urban Renewal" project , the city of Schwenningen aims to modernize its city center in the coming years.
The redevelopment of the Bürk site will be beneficial in this regard. The modernized and revitalized area, with its urban-style student apartments, will directly contribute to the renewal and thus the increased attractiveness of the city center.
Current status of construction work
Construction work is now in full swing. The renovation of the heating system requires extensive interventions in the existing building structure, resulting in a correspondingly large amount of demolition work. Currently, the construction site in the Bürk area looks quite chaotic, as partial interior demolition is taking place in the former living spaces. We have documented the construction progress and the current status for you with photographs.
The existing building structure is visibly showing its age.
The renovation is absolutely necessary.
The selective dismantling in Bürk Street is in full swing.
The resulting construction waste is professionally separated and disposed of.
Summary: Key takeaways about intuitive eating
The creation of contemporary student housing is a key objective of our comprehensive renovation project. The goal is to fully restore the old and partially dilapidated structure of the Bürk buildings and bring them up to a high-quality, energy-efficient standard. Providing modern student apartments will revitalize the neighborhood and thus contribute positively to urban development. Through our renovation measures, we are preserving a culturally significant heritage for Villingen-Schwenningen, which, alongside the existing clock museum, offers considerable added value to our city through its modern and trendy student housing options.
We believe these are compelling arguments that allow us to look forward with pride and confidence to the completion of the project next autumn!