The Integratives Wohnprojekt Klarissenkloster is a redevelopment of a former convent in Cologne-Kalk, Germany. The project reuses the historic monastery buildings and adds new housing, with the aim of bringing refugees and local residents together in a shared residential setting. 26
The developer and client is the Archdiocese of Cologne (Erzbistum Köln); the project received a 2020 German Bauherrenpreis in the category “Activation of ecclesiastical buildings.” 211 The design was prepared by LK Architekten, whose partners Regina Leipertz and Martin Kostulski won the planning competition in 2015. 12
The scheme combines renovated convent buildings with new construction. The Archdiocese reported that 24 new apartments were allocated equally between refugees and Cologne residents, and that the wider project created about 2,500 square metres of living space. 6 The former convent was also adapted for an integrative youth-housing project, while the site includes counselling and educational facilities. 2
The development began on the site in March 2015, and the completed project opened in 2017; the architects list construction starting in July 2016 and completion in February 2018. 62 The award recognised the project as an example of the possibilities of reusing ecclesiastical buildings. 2