Tucked away in the heart of Frankfurt lies a hidden gem—Schärferaum, a space where history and creativity collide. Once a  four-generation carpentry workshop, this industrial building has been reborn as a venue for film, photography, and events. The story of Schärferaum is more than just a renovation project—it’s a testament to the power of preserving the past while embracing the future.

Fritz Philipp, the visionary behind this transformation, grew up surrounded by the scent of sawdust and craftsmanship. Though he didn’t follow the family tradition of carpentry, his deep-rooted connection to the space inspired him to give it a new purpose. What began as a personal passion evolved into a creative hub where the charm of the past fuels modern expression.

In this exclusive interview, we explore the journey of turning a forgotten workshop into an inspiring creative studio, the challenges of reinvention, and what makes Schärferaum a truly unique space in Frankfurt’s cultural landscape.

What inspired the idea of turning this "lost place" into a space for film, photography, and creative events?

The idea of transforming this "lost place" into a space for film, photography, and creative events was born out of a deep connection to my family’s history and a lifelong vision. The carpentry workshop originally belonged to my grandfather and had been in our family for four generations, dating back to around 1860. Nearly everyone in the family followed the tradition of becoming carpenters, and the workshop even created pieces for the royal palace in its time.

For decades, it was a cornerstone of a once-thriving craftsman’s street, eventually becoming the last remaining workshop of its kind in the area. As a child, I spent countless hours in the workshop, surrounded by the smell of wood and the hum of tools. Although I didn’t become a carpenter, I always felt a strong connection to the space and dreamed of one day giving it a new purpose. 

When the question arose of what to do with the workshop, I saw it as a "now or never" moment. Preserving the character and soul of the space was deeply important to my family and me. By transforming it into Schärferaum, I wanted to honor its legacy while creating an inspiring venue for creativity, collaboration, and modern expression. Today, the space bridges its rich history with a vibrant future, serving as a unique setting for film, photography, and events.

How does the industrial chic aesthetic of Schärferaum connect the craftsmanship of the past with today’s modern creative projects?

The industrial chic aesthetic of Schärferaum connects the craftsmanship of the past with modern creative projects by preserving its raw, authentic character. Once a four-generation carpentry workshop, the space’s vintage details and timeless charm honor its legacy while inspiring innovation. 

This blend of history and adaptability makes Schärferaum a unique backdrop where tradition enriches contemporary creativity, offering an inspiring setting for photography, film, and events.

Why do you think Schärferaum has been called "a piece of Berlin in the center of Frankfurt“?

The Schärferaum has often been described as "a piece of Berlin in the center of Frankfurt" because its unique style and atmosphere are rare in the Frankfurt area. While spaces like this—creative, raw, and full of character—are quite common in Berlin, Frankfurt doesn't have many, if any, comparable studios.

Schärferaum exudes an industrial charm that stands out amidst Frankfurt’s more polished and modernized aesthetic. The blend of rustic elements with professional-grade equipment creates an inspiring environment. It’s the kind of place you'd expect to find in Berlin's vibrant art districts, where history meets creativity.

In Frankfurt, where such spaces have largely disappeared or been repurposed, Schärferaum fills a unique niche. It’s not just a studio—it’s a hub for innovation, collaboration, and authentic expression. This makes it a one-of-a-kind location that reflects the edgy, creative spirit often associated with Berlin, right here in the heart of Frankfurt.

What types of clients or events benefit most from the adaptable and creative nature of the studio?

The adaptable and creative nature of Schärferaum appeals most to clients who are seeking something out of the ordinary. It’s an ideal space for those who value an unconventional location—whether for extraordinary business photography or for companies wanting to escape the monotony of standard office environments.

Businesses especially benefit from hosting workshops, meetings, or creative sessions here, as Schärferaum offers an inspiring alternative to the sterile atmosphere of typical hotel conference rooms. The personal, almost familial atmosphere of the studio, enhanced by the adjacent garden, creates a welcoming and intimate setting that encourages creativity and fresh ideas.

Schärferaum’s unique charm lies in its ability to adapt to a variety of needs while maintaining its character. Whether it’s for innovative photography, film shoots, or corporate events, the space inspires clients to think beyond the usual and embrace something truly different.

What technical equipment and on-site support does Schärferaum provide to ensure any creative vision can be realized?

Schärferaum provides extensive equipment and on-site support to bring any creative vision to life. For workshops and corporate events, we’ve expanded our inventory and acquired Sets from Studiotools. This set includes e.g. ultra-light, double-sided whiteboards with a total visualization area of 48 m², which can be flexibly arranged in the space.

Additionally, we offer a high-performance projector, screens, various lighting options, and a range of antique props. The studio features both conventional and unconventional seating arrangements to suit different needs. Our garden is also available for all events, which is a true game-changer, especially in summer. It even allows for barbecues, creating a unique atmosphere for all kinds of events, live music or other creative projects.

With this versatile setup and our commitment to flexibility, Schärferaum ensures that our clients have everything they need to make their creative projects a success.

What were some of the biggest challenges and lessons learned during the process of building and operating the studio?

One of the biggest challenges during the transformation of Schärferaum was underestimating just how much work it would take to convert a 150-year-old carpentry workshop into a fully functional studio. At the beginning, I naively thought it would be as simple as opening the doors and getting started. In reality, the process was far more demanding.

The first year was spent simply cleaning—removing decades’ worth of sawdust and wood shavings. In total, we vacuumed out 3.5 tons of fine wood dust from every corner of the workshop. While preserving the original character of the space was a top priority, making it usable required much more effort than anticipated. We had to insulate the ceilings, completely renovate the bathrooms, and make several other adjustments to ensure the space was practical for its new purpose.

This journey taught me valuable lessons about patience, persistence, and the importance of balancing vision with practicality. Despite the challenges, the hard work paid off, and today, Schärferaum stands as a unique creative space that seamlessly blends history with modern functionality.

Do you have any tips for creative professionals looking to transform an unconventional space into a functional and inspiring studio?

For creative professionals looking to transform an unconventional space into a functional studio, my main tip is to embrace the character of the space and keep it flexible. In Schärferaum, we left the walls raw for fashion shoots and lookbooks and avoided overcrowding the rooms, leaving plenty of space for sets and movement—something photographers especially value.

Focus on versatility: use the natural aesthetics of the space or add modern elements depending on your needs. At Schärferaum, we’ve designed different corners with varied moods, from bright and open loft areas to darker, atmospheric spots. This versatility has been a major asset—it’s allowed the space to host everything from horror films to interviews, network events, and even creative workshops. For instance, I have a bucket list dream of hosting a crime film shoot where a body is found here!

Above all, stay open to unconventional ideas. We encourage creativity—our motto is “Always have more dreams than reality can destroy.” Let the space reflect your vision, and you’ll attract inspiring projects and people.

What role does Schärferaum’s partnership with Production Paradise play in connecting the studio to international clients?

Schärferaum’s partnership with Production Paradise plays a key role in connecting the studio to international clients. As a platform specialized in showcasing creative spaces and professionals, Production Paradise helps us reach a global audience of professional photographers, filmmakers, and companies looking for unique locations like ours.

This partnership aligns perfectly with our current focus: enhancing the studio’s visibility among professional photographers and corporate event planners. By leveraging Production Paradise’s expertise and network, we aim to strengthen the studio’s economic potential while positioning it as a top-tier venue for creative projects and business events.

We’ve been in contact with Production Paradise for several years, and their professionalism makes them a valuable partner in helping us achieve these goals.

Schärferaum is more than just a studio—it’s a space where history, craftsmanship, and creativity come together in a truly unique way. Fritz Philipp’s vision has turned this former carpentry workshop into a dynamic hub for film, photography, and events, all while preserving its rich heritage. A big thank you to Fritz for sharing his journey and insights with us. Schärferaum is a testament to the power of reinvention, and we can’t wait to see what creative projects unfold within its walls!

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