Stefan Brünner has converted an old workshop in Esslingen, where files used to be made, into a modern and sustainable home. It was important to him to preserve the industrial character of the former file-making workshop.

The building was built in 1893 and initially served as a hat factory. On the east façade of the building, a broad, white lettering can still be seen: "Hutfabrik Heinrich Kastner". From 1918, the building was then used for a long period of time as a file cutting workshop. The last independent master file maker in Esslingen worked and lived in this building until the 1980s, producing files and rasps.

Stefan became aware of the building through a real estate ad on the internet. He had to give up his rented apartment on the other side of the Neckar and was looking for a new home. Without further ado, he was able to view the old factory and place a bid with the estate agent. There were two other bids for the run-down building, but Stefan won the bid. That was in 2005.

After the purchase, he initially took a year to consider all the conversion measures. He counted on the help of an architect friend right from the start. "As a non-professional, I was a little overwhelmed by the size and condition of this house and first had to come up with a concept."

Stefan also had precise ideas about the budget and set himself strict guidelines. Under no circumstances did he want to spend more than he had. For some decisions, therefore, he had to stop himself and look for a cheaper solution, such as refurbishing the doors. The window handles with porcelain surrounds, which Stefan actually liked so much, were also simply too expensive at 85 euros each for a total of 36 windows and would have exeded the budget - a cheaper alternative was found. However, Stefan does not want to disclose the exact purchase price or the renovation costs.

During the renovation, it was important to him to retain the industrial and workshop character of the building: the brick façade, the many windows, the open room layout. When choosing the flooring in the living room, he therefore decided against the flamed parquet, which he initially liked. With the help of friends and good craftsmen, Stefan was able to realize his plans for a special home.

After a year of renovation work, he was finally able to move into the house with his family in 2007. The former hardening shop - the largest room on the first floor - where metals used to be hardened, now houses his practice for psychosocial counseling and support.
The old file-cutting shop is 17 meters long and has a living space of around 240 m². On the first floor there is a living room, kitchen, guest bathroom and practice. There are three rooms and a bathroom on the second floor and two further bedrooms with bathrooms on the top floor.

Great importance was attached to sustainability during the renovation. What was worth preserving was kept, the insulation was made of wood fiber and the walls are made of clay. There is a solar and photovoltaic system on the roof. When furnishing the house, Stefan made sure to concentrate on the essentials so as not to compete with the industrial charm. The clinker bricks, the steel beams and the large arched windows were to take center stage. The old Esslingen file-making workshop is now a stylish and sustainable building with an industrial character.

A film by Cécilia Marchat (director), Enno Endlicher and Lukas Steinki (camera), Jonathan Müller (sound) and Oleg Kauz (editor). Production: EIKON Media GmbH, on behalf of SWR.

00:00 Old workshop becomes loft
00:25 Entrance area and history of the house
02:09 Living and dining room
03:40 Kitchen
05:27 Office/practice room
07:26 Living rooms
08:12 Bedroom
08:48 Bathroom
09:31 Attic
10:22 Garden