Konstanz former Telekom tower transformed into residential apartments

The former Telekom high‑rise in Konstanz, which had stood empty for years, has been converted into 98 new apartments after a seven‑year planning, financing and renovation process. Architect Julia Blasius said the building “called for housing” and residents such as Sabine Preinl now enjoy views of the Alps from the former office floors.

The project is highlighted as a rare example of repurposing vacant office space in Germany, where office vacancy rates have tripled since 2019 and a shortage of about 1.4 million homes persists. Experts estimate that Germany’s unused office stock could provide between 60 000 and 150 000 new family homes if similar conversions were pursued.