Karls-Mittenwald

Preserving tradition, Shaping the Future

At Dekan-Karl-Platz 25 in Mittenwald stands a small, unadorned house that has almost been forgotten among the lovingly shaped buildings and modern new constructions. Hidden in the shadows of the Linderspitzen, it is easily overlooked. However, this inconspicuous house has a rich history: for decades, it was a staple of Mittenwald’s town center as the bakery “Berndl” and a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike. After a prolonged period of vacancy, the building is now being renovated with great dedication and care, to once again become part of Mittenwald’s vibrant urban landscape. As part of the renovation, the house will receive a new purpose that allows its historical significance to be reinterpreted in a modern context. The goal is not only to enhance the building architecturally but also to regain its role within the Mittenwald community—as a place for gathering and exchange that connects the traditions of the past with the needs of the future.

A nearly 300-year-old Building

The building at Dekan-Karl-Platz is a nearly 300-year-old structure with a rich and varied history, having undergone numerous additions, alterations, and different uses. Clearly such a historic building can never have the functionality and perfection of a new construction. Nevertheless, it originates from a time when cities were designed for people rather than for cars, offices, or consumption. Due to its location, proportions, and scale, it creates a coziness that modern new buildings often lack. This special atmosphere must be preserved!

Challanges of the Renovation

The renovation of the building at Dekan-Karl-Platz presents us with a demanding challenge: we must preserve the atmosphere and history of the house, even though the building will be renovated and a large part will be newly constructed. While ever-improving construction research would allow for precise reconstruction of earlier conditions, a complete application of these technical methods would not be the appropriate renovation concept. Furthermore, it would be inappropriate to simply imitate the historical structure in the new construction—this would come across as more contrived than authentic. At the same time, the new use of the building requires an adjustment in the quality of stay. We have clear ideas about what we want to avoid and which approaches are not effective. The central question remains: Which renovation method is suitable to reconcile both the historical character of the house and the town with modern needs?

Traditional Values in a Modern Garb

For the renovation of the building, we are pursuing a repair-oriented approach that aims to preserve the traces of the past rather than simply erasing them. Our overarching goal is to promote sustainability through a responsible handling of what already exists. Through practical and preservation-friendly restorations, we aim to renovate the house while creating a harmonious connection between old and new. This approach does not mean that we will carelessly maintain the functionality of the building; rather, the renovation concept is based on practical experiences instead of theories and ideologies.

The history of the house has always been shaped by the families who lived there. The builders are proud to continue the tradition of a bakery after over 100 years—an idea that has shaped the spirit of the house across generations. The commissioned contractors have also been active in the upper Isar Valley for several generations, bringing their expertise to authentically restore the building. At the same time, a new generation brings fresh perspectives to the project: they combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary themes such as sustainability, functionality, and simple design.

To successfully implement the renovation concept, close collaboration with the executing companies is essential. Only such cooperation allows for careful handling of the existing structure and responsible decisions regarding necessary renewals—whether related to formal adjustments or redesigns. Almost every company involved has already carried out projects in the centuries-long history of the house—most recently during renovations in the 1970s when the engineering firm Schwind was still in its early years of operation. The combination of tradition and innovation will capture the palpable dynamism in Mittenwald and carry it into a new era. The result is a building that authentically integrates into the local landscape while offering top energy standards and innovative features.