“A coworking space for people who work with their hands” – that’s how managing director and co-founder Frank Zumbruch describes Machwerkhaus. Step inside the former industrial building and one thing becomes clear: this place is buzzing with activity. Voices and the sounds of tools fill the high-ceilinged rooms of the former industrial complex. There’s no standing still here – Machwerkhaus is a place where transformation happens every day.
Made for Makers: 20,000 Square Metres of Creativity
Interior design, craftsmanship and urban manufacturing: where machines once rattled, more than 400 creative minds now work side by side across 20,000 square metres – in studios, workshops and coworking offices.
“We have a very diverse mix of tenants here,” says director and curator Thiemo Klein. What unites the makers at Machwerkhaus is their passion for craftsmanship and attention to detail, their commitment to using resources responsibly and their enthusiasm for innovation.
Lighting, Camper Vans and One-of-a-Kind Designs: Meet 5 Machwerkhaus Makers
In the workshops and studios of this former industrial site dating back to the 1930s, traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design and inventive solutions. Five creative businesses offer a glimpse into the diverse world of Machwerkhaus.
Lighting That Transforms Spaces: Buschfeld
The lighting specialists at Buschfeld know how to make light an integral part of architecture, creating carefully placed accents and transforming the atmosphere of a space. At Machwerkhaus, the company develops modular and digital lighting concepts, particularly for exhibitions – including projects for Cologne’s Museum of Applied Arts.
“Light is the fourth dimension of architecture,” says company director Stephan Blass. “It can be shaped and merges with architecture, making it visible in the first place.” Visitors can arrange a visit to the workshop at Machwerkhaus and experience the effects of its lighting tracks and fixtures first-hand.
Bespoke Design Pieces: Liebe + Schön
“With love, things become beautiful!” That’s how Alexander Meier sums up the philosophy behind his workshops for interior design and architectural craftsmanship. Under the name Liebe + Schön, his company creates bespoke pieces from wood, metal and stone, bringing together carpentry and artistic metalwork under one roof.
From coffee tables to staircase railings, the workshops produce handcrafted furniture, interior concepts and architectural details. Alexander Meier was one of the first makers to move into Machwerkhaus. He studied mechanical engineering and fine art – an unusual combination at first glance. But ask him how he sees himself, and his answer is simple: “As a sculptor.”
High-Tech for Van Life: Finbus Camper Technology
Highly efficient solar panels, fresh-water filters and a diesel-powered air heater with an integrated hot-water boiler: these are the kinds of technologies that turn a van into a mobile home, making independent living on the road possible.
The idea for Finbus came about when Maximilian Lichter was converting a VW T3 into a camper van. Before founding the company, he had worked as a production manager for a small camper van manufacturer. “There are already so many camper vans out there on the roads. We don’t need any more new ones,” Max decided, and set up his own business. Rather than focusing on design, he wanted to improve what goes on behind the scenes – the technical systems that make van life work.
Natural Dyeing and DIY Workshops: Cosmaki
Another creative team at Machwerkhaus is Cosmaki, a natural dyeing studio dedicated to circular production. Here, plants and leftover materials from local restaurants are turned into dyes, while discarded hotel towels are given a new lease of life. Visitors to Machwerkhaus can sign up for DIY workshops and experience the process for themselves.
Leather Made from Mushrooms: Labor der Gestaltung
Machwerkhaus is also home to Labor der Gestaltung, the design laboratory run by Moritz Plöns, a material researcher and industrial designer specialising in object design. His work focuses on innovative mycelium-based materials – including a leather-like material made from fungi.
When the Workshop Doors Open: Machwerkschau 2026
Curious to explore the creative workshops, discover original design pieces and meet the people behind the ideas? Then mark your calendar!
At the end of October 2026, Machwerkschau returns for its fifth edition. This year, the event is part of Design Season Cologne, a week-long design festival taking place across the city.
Design Season Cologne
- 26–31 October 2026
- Free admission
- Citywide festival, including events at Machwerkhaus
- Focus: Design, architecture and brands
- Programme
Industrial Charm Meets Creative Energy: 3 Events Worth Checking Out
Event No. 1: A Friday Night Party: Great music, cold drinks and plenty of creative energy: on Friday, 30 October, Machwerkschau invites everyone to Die Feierei, its Friday night celebration. Meet new people, exchange ideas and get inspired by fresh visions for the future. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Event No. 2: From Idea to Prototype: On 26 October, starting at 6 pm, the special exhibition PROTOTYP takes visitors behind the scenes of product design. At Machwerkdepot, designer Thomas Schnur reveals the creative journey from initial idea to finished product. Here, the process is just as fascinating as the result.
Event No. 3: Dinner and Big Ideas: The wandellust event brings people together around the dinner table. Cooking, chatting and reflecting on some of the biggest questions facing our present and future are all part of the experience. For the premiere on 27 October, renowned scientist Maja Göpel will join the conversation. Tickets cost around €200, but include a nine-course dinner.
Machwerkschau 2026
- Open workshops and studios
- 26–31 October 2026
- Mostly free admission, no registration required for most events
- Dillenburger Str. 71–97, 51105 Cologne
- Focus: Design, craftsmanship and the future
- Programme
Autumn in Cologne is all about design: for the second time, interior design days (idd) cologne will take place alongside the Orgatec trade fair. Organised by Koelnmesse, the event spreads across various locations throughout the city – including Machwerkhaus. Its motto: “Urban only.”
idd cologne 2026
- Design trade fair
- 27–31 October 2026
- Free admission
- Locations: Machwerkhaus, Design Post Köln, WallStudio Cologne
- Focus: Interior design
- Programme
“This autumn, Cologne will showcase all the different facets of its design scene across the entire city,” promises curator Thiemo Klein. “As a host and event venue, Machwerkhaus Köln will represent the eastern part of the city, turning the Kalk district into one of the highlights of the design event.”
So head over to Kalk! You might even find a souvenir or two to take home – and you’ll almost certainly leave with plenty of fresh ideas.
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