AREAL Consulting GmbH has created a modern, patient-friendly and future-proof general medical practice across approximately 300 m² at Butzweilerhofallee 7 in Cologne. The construction project was carried out on behalf of the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung (KV) Nordrhein. AREAL was responsible for the conceptual and execution planning, consultation during tendering and awarding, and subsequent construction supervision. The newly opened MediTeam general practice, which commenced operations on 1 July 2026, also functions as a real-world laboratory for testing digital care solutions in the outpatient sector.
Alongside regular practice operations, innovative digital technologies, AI-supported applications and novel organisational procedures are being tested at the Butzweilerhof location. The aim of these trials is to gain insights into which digital solutions effectively relieve practice teams in their daily work, are well received by patients, and which approaches can be successfully transferred to other healthcare facilities. The knowledge gained will be made available to other interested medical professionals as a guide in the future.
Focus on functionality and sustainability
Sylvia Wannagat, Head of the Düsseldorf branch at AREAL, explained the challenges: “The conversion of classic office spaces into a modern medical practice places high demands on functionality, design and technical feasibility.” According to her, the project was about creating a practice environment “that enables efficient processes, offers a high quality of stay and at the same time opens up space for new forms of outpatient care.” The design concept follows a clear, functional approach with bright, open spaces, intuitive navigation and clearly structured functional areas. Particular emphasis was placed on sustainable and durable materials. Certified floor coverings with low-CO₂ biological plasticisers, natural and recycled materials, as well as energy-efficient LED lighting systems with presence detectors, were used. Low-emission paints and surfaces contribute to a healthy indoor climate and underline the ecological aspirations of the project.
The construction period for the conversion of the spaces was approximately three months. This project demonstrates how existing commercial properties can be repositioned through targeted repurposing and adapted to changed market requirements. AREAL assists owners in the further development of existing spaces to create sustainable utilisation perspectives for their properties. The KV Nordrhein's MediTeam practice is part of a new approach intended to bring young medical professionals closer to outpatient care. At the same time, the location secures general medical care in the north-west of Cologne.
Wannagat added: “Especially in healthcare, spaces today must offer more than pure functionality. They must support efficient processes, be flexibly usable and create an environment where patients feel just as comfortable as the people who work there.” The project at Butzweilerhof shows how existing spaces can be activated for new care models.
