b+ and Demo Working Group add a heat pump to revive an abandoned pavilion in Germany

At Haus Mödrath in Kerpen-Mödrath, Germany, architects b+ and Demo Working Group have transformed an abandoned pavilion into a working prototype for renovation. Called Plug-In, the project was developed for the exhibition Home Is Where You’re Happy and explores how existing buildings can be adapted with minimal intervention.

A heat pump plugs into the pavilion’s existing structure

The pavilion’s brick walls, glass roof, floor and steel structure were repaired and retained. Instead of concealing new building services, the project makes them visible: a heat pump is raised on a steel column, with its components extending through the glass roof and down into a former plunge pool beneath the floor.

Curated by Gesine Borcherdt, Home Is Where You’re Happy was presented at Haus Mödrath from 8 October 2023 to 25 August 2024.

Project Credits

Project: Plug-In, Kerpen-Mödrath
Architecture: b+ / @bplus.xyz, Demo Working Group
Photography: Jan Voigt / @janvoigt__