Werkdorf Billberge

A working village on the River Elbe,

Conversion and refurbishment of three apartment buildings for a cooperative in Billberge.

Location: 39590 Billberge / Storkau (Elbe)

Year: 2025 - currently in planning

Team IFUB*: Johannes Krohne, Merle Sudbrock

In collaboration with: bzw.dorf (Storytelling), agmm Architekten + Stadtplaner (Architecture of detached houses)

Client: vielleben eG

In the Altmark region, not far from Tangermünde and Stendal, a

cooperative construction and housing project

is being developed with the support of IFUB*. The aim is to create a community for people who long for a slower pace of life, closer to nature and with a stronger sense of community. Furthermore the project wants to bring together people who long for a slower-paced, nature-oriented and community-focused everyday life. The Gutleben Billberge project is a village development project being realised directly on the River Elbe around a historic estate in Billberge, Saxony-Anhalt. The site consists of a number of existing buildings, including a horse farm and a large workshop hall, and is largely planned to be converted, with a few new additions. It combines communal living with space for creativity, craftsmanship and sustainable living. Whether singles, couples, families or seniors – all generations are welcome.

In a first step, a variety of

different housing options

are to be created. Small, new wooden houses ranging from approx. 20 to approx. 60 m² are being planned by the architectural firm agmm. The IFUB* is responsible for renovating and transforming three simple existing buildings into lively architecture. The residential units will be complemented by a variety of communal areas such as workshops, studios, a co-working space, party rooms, gardens and a communal vegetable garden. These will be created in parallel and successively with the residential buildings. The overall concept focuses on communal living. Private spaces are rather reduced, but at the same time the shared grounds, covering almost 40,000 m2, offer incredible potential for development.

The existing buildings

have been standing empty for a few years, but are solidly built from masonry with timber-beamed ceilings and are in good condition. Thanks to their simple layout, a phased renovation can be carried out relatively easily and cost-effectively. Pictured here is House 5.

Building 5

will consist of two blocks, each with two residential units on the ground floor/mezzanine (approx. 80 m² and 2–3 single rooms) and two residential units on the first floor and top floor (approx. 100 m² and 4–6 single rooms). The basement houses storage and utility rooms.