Neckarspinnerei, Wendlingen

A Historic Industrial Site Pioneers Modern District Development   

The Neckarspinnerei is a heritage-listed industrial complex currently being transformed into a sustainable, mixed-use district. The development aims to seamlessly unite workspaces, residential living, creativity, and culture on the site of a former spinning mill spanning 4.7 hectares (approx. 11.6 acres). A central focus of the project is the careful preservation and modern adaptation of the historic building fabric.

In the long term, the Neckarspinnerei Quartier (NQ) will provide an ecologically and economically viable environment, offering modern, versatile spaces for both businesses and residents. The project serves as a major catalyst for future-proof urban living in the greater Stuttgart region.

Digitalization as a Driver of Transformation

The building was partially equipped with wireless IoT technology on a trial basis to enable energy-optimized operation. This solution eliminates the need for extensive cabling, making it ideal for heritage-protected structures.  

Sensors capture data such as temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, window openings, and room occupancy to form the foundation for intelligent room automation. The N5GEH platform complements this setup as an open, scalable data and integration hub. It consolidates all devices and systems to ensure the highly efficient use of energy and building data.

IBA’27  

The project team is currently developing a comprehensive overarching concept as part of the international building exhibition IBA’27. This process includes ideation, usage programming, and the creation of a carbon-neutral energy and mobility concept. An international architectural competition ultimately yielded the urban master plan.

Added value

• The Neckarspinnerei demonstrates how to implement digitalization in historic buildings cost-efficiently, sustainably, in a highly innovative way.
• Innovative mobility concepts prioritize the sharing economy to rethink traditional transportation.
• Predictive control systems based on models regulate heating demands precisely to unlock energy savings of up to 8%.
• Wireless IoT technology optimizes energy usage without requiring extensive cabling, providing an ideal setup for heritage-protected structures.
• The N5GEH platform acts as an open, scalable integration hub that consolidates all systems to efficiently utilize energy and building data.
• The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) supports the Neckarspinnerei as an official research project.

Services

• Preparation of grant applications for 4th Generation Heating Networks (Wärmenetze 4.0)
• Feasibility studies per Wärmenetze 4.0 guidelines
• Retrofit and refurbishment concepts for existing buildings
• Energy concepts for new builds
• Mobility concepts
• Pilot implementation for the BOOSTER research project
• Technical master planning
• Design and commissioning of the IoT system for energy optimization