Topping-out celebration in the southern gatehouse of the Neue Palais in Potsdam

On Friday, 15th June 2012, the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg (SPSG) held a topping-out celebration in the 243-year-old southern gatehouse of the Neue Palais in Potsdam.

The building was originally erected as a guardhouse by Frederick the Great (1712 – 1786) in 1768-9, but has been used and altered in different ways over the course of its history. Alterations to prepare it for its new role as a central point of contact and information for visitors to the Neue Palais in Potsdam are now nearing completion.

The load-bearing structure was planned and realized with respect for the original building fabric and in close consultation with the building monuments office. Historic timber structures, such as the roof constructions in the east wing which date from the time of Frederick the Great, were saved and repaired despite serious damage.

Historic floors made of wooden stakes and clay (Windelbodendecken) that had been damaged by pests over large areas were supported by a new floor beam level so that they could also be preserved.

The courtyard was roofed with an underspanned steel and glass construction. An espresso bar made of concrete was added between the Gontard and Haeberlin buildings to form a modern entrance area.

KREBS+KIEFER was responsible for the structural design in this project and also provided services in the area of thermal building physics.