Birk Heilmeyer and Frenzel Architekten receive 1st prize and are awarded the contract for the new building component V "Personalized Production" for the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Engineering and Automation IPA Stuttgart. "In the next construction phase after building section U, the planned new building project (building section V) is to provide office workplaces for a total of 193 employees. This requires 4,124 m² floor space, comprising office, laboratory and pilot plant spaces including the corresponding infrastructure. The new building must meet the Institute's requirements resulting from the dynamic developments, and is intended to offer its employees new space for excellent research work in the future". (Excerpt from the design brief)

We are pleased to have won a new project since we were arwarded the first prize for our design of the new building for the Kiepenheuer Institute for Solar Physics (KIS) in Freiburg. The adequate approach to the urban planning situation defines the framework of the conceptual design and the basic structural idea of the new building. To assert itself as the first building block in the fourth construction phase, the design draws on a compact cubature. The new building is situated at the corner of the plot and allows the greatest possible flexibility and creative freedom for further development. Inside the building, the atrium is the centrepiece that connects the different areas of the institute through a void.

We were awarded 2nd prize in the competition for our design submitted for the "Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research" in Würzburg. "The urban planning layout and proportioning of the building are recognised by the jury as a special quality of the contribution. The clear, rectangular and independent structure is compact and allows an inviting access situation in front of the well-positioned main entrance. The modest appearance of the new building, retreating into the campus, is convincing... Overall, the jury praised the design as an outstanding contribution to the competition, which impresses as an economic concept with its clear structure, high flexibility in the interior and its compactness as well as its independence from the entire clinic campus". (Excerpt from the jury assessment)

The contribution of Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten was awarded 3rd prize in the competition "SWR Studio in Mannheim/ Ludwigshafen".

Just twenty months after the competition win, the grand opening of the new gymnasium for the Landessportschule Albstadt has been celebrated. The integral desgin and the high level of prefabrication have been the reasons for the short planning and assembly period.

The construction work on the children's care facility "KiTa in the Park" in Stuttgart has started. The timber contsruction is scheduled to be completed in 2019.

We are pleased to have won first place and the contract for the new LAZ (learning and application center) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). To live up to its standard as a renowned institution, and to be able to assert itself alongside the striking mechanical engineering high-rise, the new building confidently manifests a formal austerity towards the urban space. Both the constructional and the functional logic becomes evident in the façade which demonstrates the open character of the building. The glass surfaces allow a view into the interior and reveal the design work, the workshops and the informal student life. This way KIT presents the university’s technical and contemporary project-oriented focus to the public.

From october 16 to 17 the 11th European Congress (EBH2018) "Bauen mit Holz im urbanen Raum" (buidling with timber in an urban context) takes place in Cologne. On october 17 Prof. Stephan Birk is charing the session ""HOLZARCHITEKTUR IM URBANEN RAUM - BENELUX".

Mykola "Mister VOB" Holoviznin" has been named Associate at Birk Heilmeyer and Frenzel Architekten by July 1, 2018. We look forward to further joint projects ...

The design by Birk Heilmeyer and Frenzel Architekten was awarded first prize in the competition for the construction of a new community centre and a day-care facility for children at the Markusturm in Weinheim. The design relates to the key idea "new and old buildings in conjunction". The applied materials differentiate between old (concrete) and new (wood). Together, the buildings form a harmonious entity with clearly defined exterior spaces: cemetery, community courtyard, and playground of the childcare centre. In a subtle counter movement, the undulating roof surface of the new building refers to the sloped church roof. Its resulting shape puts it thus in context with the existing church.

The assembly of the concrete facade elements for the Wachstums- und Festigungszentrum (WFZ) has begun at Alter Schlachthof in Karlsruhe.

Invitation to expert talk: On Friday, 29 June 2018 Marcella Hansch will be our guest at Birk Heilmeyer and Frenzel Architekten. At 6:30 pm she will give a talk on the topic:
"Pacific Garbage Screening - could architecture save our oceans?"

Marcella Hansch is an architect in Aachen. She founded the non-profit association "Pacific Garbage Screening" based on her thesis at the RWTH. This lecture has been recognised by the BW Chamber of Architects as an advanced training course (1.5 hours). Snacks, drinks, and discussions will be available during and after the talk.

The construction work on the RIZ "Regional Innovation Centre" in Offenburg has started. The completion for the lab and research building on the campus of the university of Offenburg is scheduled for 2020.

A modular wooden umbrella construction for the new mobility point in Sindelfingen has convinced the competition jury. The winning design has been developed by Birk Heilmeyer and Frenzel together with Schlaich Bergermann Partner. The special feature of the structure is that a single module can be installed separately at different locations and in different sizes. This enables a similar design for the mobility concept of the city of Sindelfingen. The jury emphasized the light structure of the umbrellas consisting of a wooden support with four cantilevers and a light transparent roof.

House B in Beinstein is featured in the April issue of Wallpaper* magazine.

Science Park Kassel receives a prestigious "Simon-Louis-du-Ry-Plakette" by Bund Deutscher Architekten!

“A loose and at the same time assured arrangement of the buildings distinguishes this scheme. The urban space wraps around the existing historical school, the new school and the sports hall. This presents the entire building complex as a public place apt for the Zell primary school. The architectural quality of the ensemble convinces through its confident and gentle design. With its proportions and the materials used, the façades impart lightness, an approachable character and haptic qualities. The architectural character embraces the experience and perception of children." (Excerpt from the jury citation)
The competition entry achieved 3rd place and was awarded with an honourable mention.

Our submission to the design competition "Mobilitätsdrehscheibe Bahnhof Backnang (Mobility Hub of Backnang Station)” included the design of the bus station, multi-storey car park and railway station in Backnang, and was awarded with an honourable mention . “The architects offer an interesting alternative solution on a broader conceptual basis and convince with the independent design of the ZOB", says the jury.

The DLR Robotics and Mechatronics Center in Oberpfaffenhofen has received the seal of quality in silver according to the BNB sustainability guidelines of the Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, Bau und Reaktorsicherheit (BMUB) of Germany.

Our concept of a campus centre was awarded 4th prize in the design competition for the extension of the school centre in Oestringen. The school campus encompasses four existing buildings (sports hall, primary school, grammar school and secondary school) and will now be supplemented by a campus centre to the south. It is to accommodate the shared facilities of the cafeteria, the library and the youth club. According to the resolution of the local council the expansion of the school centre Oestringen must be carried out in sections. We decided to use salami tactics for the step-by-step implementation of our holistic idea: This way the individual functional areas can be realised slice by slice (at different times) forming a coherent entity. The design comprises a filigree and regular structure, which has been consistently developed as a timber construction.

Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten’s contribution was awarded first prize in the course of the multiple commission for the construction of a new sports hall in Bihlafingen/Laupheim.
The selected location of the sports hall marks the northern boundary of the premises. With its southern edge and the existing northern slope it defines a lawn for sports and outdoor festivities. The compact structure with its shallow gable roof benefits from the topography of the site. Some of the functional areas disappear within the slope, resulting in a moderate development of building mass and height. The archetypal building featuring a wooden façade is reminiscent of a barn and naturally blends in with the rural surroundings.

Topping-out for the start-up centre at Alter Schlachthof in Karlsruhe was celebrated. Upon completion by the end of 2018 the "WFZ" will accommodate various sized offices, studios and a number of shared facilities...

The timber construction of the sports facility in Albstadt has been completed. Due to the high leveel of prefabrication the assembly has only lasted for a few days. The Completition für the gymnasium is scheduled for the summer of 2018.

The Cafeteria at the Science Park Kassel ist mentioned in ZEITMAGAZIN Nummer 47 "Die neue deutsche Kantinenkultur - ein Heft zum Genießen".

Birk Heilmeyer Heilmeyer and Frenzel Architekten’s contribution to the design competition for the new building of the elementary school Fuchhofstrasse in Ludwigsburg was selected by the jury for an honourable mention. The proposed building ensemble of the primary school including a canteen maps the school’s internal organization in three (building) sections. With its structure and granularity it responds to the planned housing development to the east of the premises. The design has been consistently developed as a timber construction. The interaction of design and structure results in a high quality construction that facilitates a short construction time.

On november 16th Liza Heilmeyer gives a talk at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences as part of the lexture series "FRAU ARCHITEKT. Seit mehr als 100 Jahren: Frauen im Architektenberuf". It starts at 06:15 p.m.

Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten’s contribution was awarded the 3rd prize in the design competition “New school building for Fröbelschule Offenbach, including an exercise hall, training pool, and therapy rooms”.
“All spaces are allocated in a very compact building complex along the Mühlheimer Strasse. It comprises a two-story timber structure designed in a comb shape. The clarity of the scheme lies in the consistent space layout. The two-stories tall units each accommodate four class rooms and two group rooms facing the inner area. The alternation of building sections and well proportioned outdoor spaces creates both day lit and functional interior and exterior spaces.” (excerpt from the jury citation)

The city of Stuttgart selected the scheme for the new building on the Depot Gingener Straße by Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel for realisation.

Felix Fritz, Jochen Günzler, Hanna Münzenmaier, Stephan Schäfer and Timo Sprengel have been Associates at Birk Heilmeyer and Frenzel Architekten since July 1, 2017, after several years of successful collaboration in the office.
We look forward to further joint projects ...

The prototype of the RADHÄUSLE Sindelfingen has been completed. The bike shed is made of native beech wood, that has been modified by means of acetylation, so it can endure to be exposed to the weather.

Our contribution was awarded 3rd prize in the competition “Waldcampus Aalen - new building for the school of economic sciences, refectory, and hall of residence with daycare facility for children.
“The new Waldcampus is formed by an ensemble of solitary buildings aligned to the orientation of the Behnisch-Building. The school and the refectory are both accessed from a square to the east, and their entrances are marked by an offset on the ground floor. Between the two buildings, a generous flight of steps runs to a lower level and provides access to the hall of residence, mainly for students. Students, staff and visitors enter the school via a generous foyer where a glazed front opens up the view to the forest. Apart from the glazed area in the atrium, the façade comprises horizontal ribbon windows. Resembling an historic timber building the façade projects to the top and offers thus some protection against the weather. With its cladding made of silver fir the five-storey tall building harmoniously blends into the wooded surrounding.” (excerpt from the jury citation)

Our contribution to the design competition “New secondary school building in Landshut, with 6 classes to each grade ” was awarded the 2nd price.
“The project arranges all sports areas including the gym along Fuggerstraße and creates thus an effective buffer to the future business park. The actual school operation is pooled in an elongated building with inner court yards. Its positioning in the urban context was subject to controversial debate. The jury highly appreciates the selected timber construction. Due to the clear building design, it can be implemented in a cost-efficient manner, and promises a short construction period. Overall, the design makes a significant contribution, as it allows for a perfectly functional school which provides a high amenity value.” (excerpt from the jury citation)

House B in Beinstein has been awarded with the label "best architects 18"! Extract from the call for entries: “The best architects award is regarded as a seal of quality for outstanding architectural performance..."

We are delighted to have won the design competition for the multi-purpose building of the Zeiteninsel open-air museum in Weimar (Lahn).
“The jury, under the chairmanship of Per Pedersen (Staab Architekten, Berlin) has unanimously decided on the award of the prizes. The scheme of the winners achieved the maximum outdoor area through their skilful positioning of the building on the premises. Furthermore, the architectural separation between indoor and outdoor areas has been brought to perfection by a fence acting as a filter. Overall, the project convinced through the excellent response to the design brief the architects found by means of their natural, and yet succinct approach.” (Hessian Ministry of Finance - excerpt from the press release).

DHBW lab and engine test stand on Horb campus receives a prestigious "Hugo-Häring-Auszeichnung 2017" by Bund Deutscher Architekten!

The Pestalozzi school in Stuttgart is featured in the may edition of the German magazin "Bauen mit Holz" (building with timber). The interim building comprises a timber construction, which facilitates a fast assembly through the high level of prefabrication.

www.bauenmitholz.de

Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten receive honourable mention for their contribution to the design competition “Integrated Comprehensive School in Kandel”. The jury concludes: “By virtue of its granularity this clear structure mediates between the small-scale texture to the north and the sports hall to the south of the premises. The new entrance, as well as the connection between the new and the existing building establishes excellent spaces. The jury also appreciates the conceptual approach to the brief that merges individual areas into clusters, and allocates them to the two floor levels, according to their function.”

We are thrilled about the 1. level and winning the bid for the construction of a new three-field hall for the Landessportschule in Albstadt. The building to replace the existing hall, severely in need of refurbishment, is located to the south west of the campus. Designed as a single-storey building it unifies the functions team sports and gymnastics, as well as a seminar area under the same roof. Because it has been consistently designed as a timber structure, featuring a high level of prefabrication, we can now enjoy and yield all benefits of this construction method. A glulam ribbed slab structures the ceiling. In line with the integral design, the interspaces can be used, for instance, to fit the required building equipment and sound absorbing elements. This creates an harmonious and well structured ceiling.

The construction work on the start-up centre "Wachstums- und Festigungszentrum Alter Schlachthof Karlsruhe" has started. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018

Nikolauspflege Campus Kräherwald, Stuttgart - New school building and sports hall for blind and visually impaired people
“With this contribution the architects have proved that it is possible to design a convincing building ensemble, in spite of the highly complex and difficult brief. Through the clarity in the composition of building components across the moderate increase in height the project provides a place of soothing calm, whilst offering a conclusive sense of orientation within and out of the building. The central entrance “Am Kräherwald” – that provides enough space to come in and spread across the building - makes it clearly identifiable without losing the context to the valley basin and the open space in front of it." (Excerpt from the jury report)

After ten months of construction time, the Pestalozzi school in Stuttgart-Vaihingen was handed over to the client. The interim building comprises a timber construction, it accommodates 16 class rooms.

On the Campus in Horb the new lab and engine test stand has been handed over to the client, for the users to move in. At the heart of the new building are the engine test stands for research and teaching. In an open space layout, the operator rooms and the vehicle measuring and testing lab are arranged around it. All service areas outside, such as storage, installations (also on the roof), and the external staircase are wrapped into a second building skin of expanded metal.

Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten won the 4th prize in the architectural competition for the “New east building of the Bundesgerichtshof, the Federal Supreme Court of Germany" in Karlsruhe: “The architects have positioned the building as a compact polygon on the site. This expresses the central theme of a solitaire set in the park. With its five sides the polygon assertively produces an outstanding urban quality within a very heterogeneous environment. For instance, the welcoming entrance side guides the way to the main gate; the side of the canteen orientates to the Palais. The main entrance leads into a spacious foyer which provides short routes to naturally lit courtrooms, as well as to the cafeteria...", states the jury

From october 19 to 20 the 9th European Congress (EBH2016) "Bauen mit Holz im urbanen Raum" (buidling with timber in an urban context) takes place in Cologne. On october 20 Prof. Stephan Birk gives a lecture about education buildings made with timber.

The exhibition "35 x DIN A6 < 45" that takes place in the context of the “Architekturnovember” at the newly renovated WECHSELRAUM in Stuttgart, shows a selection of young practices, including Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten. The exhibition is going to be launched on 24th October 2016 at 7 p.m. with the participating practices presenting “20 slides in 6 minutes”. The closing night features a round table on the topic “Building Mission” which will also start at 7 p.m. on 28th November 2016.

Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten receive the 5th prize in the design competition "Bewegungskindergarten, Mehrzweckgebäude mit Bewegungslandschaften und optionaler Kletter- und Boulderhalle im Sportpark Rems."
"The extended building structure is prominently located on the competition grounds; keeping an adequate distance to the Richard-Kapphan-Straße, it is slightly tilted towards it. (…) The scheme’s undeniably high quality is rooted in the interior design. It demonstrates a clear functional concept that has been judiciously planned, including a refined layout of movement and circulation areas." (Excerpt from the jury report)

At present, we are planning a new research facility on the campus of Reutlingen University. This project comprises an adaptable hall construction that is going to be realised in the course of several construction stages. Through the selected geometric design and the clear-cut organisation in the interior the scheme allows for flexible extensions on the narrow side of the hall construction, towards the south-west. Thus, the extension scope, and the number of additional girders can be determined according to the future demand and the budget available. The hall that faces the campus towards the south-east provides the required floor space for the Logistics Learning Factory. Additional class rooms and offices are oriented to the north-west, and allow for an open view onto the green meadow. The load-bearing structure of the hall consists of pre-fabricated reinforced concrete pillars, slender glue-laminated beams, and laminated timber elements. For the façade the design features a cladding made of mill-finished aluminium panels.

Construction work has started on the clubhouse and gymnasium of TSG Rheinau e.V. 1901 in Mannheim. In 2012 we were able to win the design comptetion. The completion is planned for autumn 2017.

On 26 July 2016, from 2 pm we present our new project RADHÄUSLE Sindelfingen to the interested public. The event will take place in the foyer of the Sindelfignen town hall. “The RADHÄUSLE Sindelfingen, promoted by the association Region Stuttgart, is on the one hand a bicycle shed which allows cyclists to lock their bikes at a secure place, sheltered against the weather. On the other hand it is an attractive piece of street furniture which offers additional functions for the benefit of all citizens, whilst its appearance enhances the public space.” (Source: City of Sindelfingen)
The bike shed is made of native beech wood. Hence, in the future, cyclists make a double contribution to environment protection: whilst cycling and parking. The applied beech wood has been modified by means of acetylation, so that the RADHÄUSLE Sindelfingen can endure to be exposed to the weather.

We contribute to this year’s "Tag der Architektur” with the DLR Robotics and Mechatronics Center in Oberpfaffenhofen. On June 26, 2016 visitors have the opportunity to experience the lab and research building. See official website for more information.

Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten win the 2nd prize in the design competition "Kindergarten Kirchgasse" (children’s centre) in Müllheim: competionline

The DLR Robotics and Mechatronics Center in Oberpfaffenhofen is featured in the may/june edition of the Italian architecture magazin domus.

The DLR Robotics and Mechatronics Center in Oberpfaffenhofen has been nominated for the DAM architecture in Germany 2017 award. The award is offered by DAM Deutsches Architekturmuseum in Frankfurt am Main.

3rd prize in the design competition for the new German embassy in Vienna: “With its central design approach this project proposes the disintegration of the dominating block perimeter development. The scheme meets the representational competition brief by employing two proportionally balanced cubes. The choice of volume separation seems coherent and opens up the opportunity to design outdoor spaces of different qualities (...). The individual functional areas have been judiciously arranged, and feature optimal interconnections ...”, states the jury.

Stephan Birk presents the work of Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten as part of the lecture series "Junge Baukunst" at the Gropiushaus in Hannover.The talk starts at 7 p.m.

Liza Heilmeyer is a jury member at the BDA Architecture Prize "Grand Nike" 2016.
The award honors the collaboration of architects with their clients for an outstanding design or construction.
For more information: BDA Bund

On the campus of the Chamber of Crafts for Swabia in Augsburg the assembly of the facade for the new Center for vocational Training hast started.

New project for the Offenburg University of Applied Sciences - "The Regional Innovation Centre (RIZ) launches the project of the new campus. The RIZ comprises a zero-energy building.

Prefabrication and construction work on the Pestalozzi school in Stuttgart-Vaihingen has started. The completion of the modular timber construction with 16 class rooms is planned for this summer.

New assignment to design the new headquarter of the traffic authority and police station in Horb."The clear cut building cubature meets the request for more presence at the town’s outskirts. Due to the boundary conditions of the hillside plot, the scheme has been composed in a plinth level and two offset upper levels. According to the scheme, the solid plinth features an exposed concrete façade. The curtain wall on the upper building part benefits from the high performance of a timber frame construction. As a locally sourced building material with a long standing regional tradition, timber perfectly meets the design’s context, as well as future requirements"

Stephan Birk gives a talk about the buildings and projects of Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten as part of the lecture series "Dienstagsreihe" at the Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts. The series is organized by students. It starts at 07:00 p.m. at the Audimax, Design Campus, Coburg.

In its issue 40-41.15 architectural magazine Bauwelt is introducing the Science Park in Kassel: "Aesthetics of the unfinished"!

Karlsruher Fächer GmbH & Co. Stadtentwicklungs-KG plans to build a start-up centre for young creative companies. Our work has been nominated with the 1. prize in the design competition. Jury citation: “Overall it is a convincing and conclusive response to the brief”.

The new building for the DLR Robotics and Mechatronics Center in Oberpfaffenhofen has been completed. 8.000 square metres provide sufficient room for scientists to conduct interdisciplinary research at world-class level.

Shortly after the opening, the Science Park receives its first award! Extract from the call for entries: “The best architects award is regarded as a seal of quality for outstanding architectural performance..."

We contribute to this year’s "Tag der Architektur” with the children’s center Kinderzentrum Harheim. On June 27, 2015 visitors have the opportunity to experience this daycare facility for children.

After a good two years construction time, the 6.200 sqm Science Park Kassel was handed over to the client, for the users to move in. With the supply of office spaces, studios, workshops, IdeaLab, CoWorking area and a lounge the start-up and innovation centre is a source of enrichment for the new Campus Nord of Kassel University. Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten are delighted to have run the project in close collaboration with a fantastic client.

Honourable mention in the design competition for a multi-purpose hall in Hohberg-Niederschopfheim: “The cubature of the new building is refreshingly unpretentious; with the composition of the roof and façades it offers a vast amount of natural light. The compact shape suggests an economically efficient construction, which is also reflected in urban planning parameters (...). This compact and efficient proposal features an exceptional functionality of interior spaces.” (Jury citation)

Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten win the 2nd prize in the restricted design competition "Neubau Kindertageseinrichtung und Treffpunkt Familie Kath. Kirchengemeinde Heilig-Geist Schorndorf". Locating the building at the site boundary allowed for the creation of the largest possible coherent outdoor playground. The design of this area refers to the characteristic location on the river. Intertwined and arranged at an offset, the two building volumes define a generous public forecourt. A spatial separation between the childrens’ center and the family gathering place was achieved by a judicious composition of the floor plan. The daycare facility for children features two levels with six rooms each, which are arranged “freely”. This naturally creates play areas for children to jump about, and nooks that offer space for eating and resting.

New CO2-neutral hotel building in Ludwigsburg, competitive multiple commission, 2nd level: “The scheme features a well balanced bright building structure (...). The roof and the calmly textured façade form a beautiful sculptural architecture. In a modern style, the slightly chamfered window recesses pick up on the baroque motif of shutters (...). The building has been designed as a systematic timber construction comprising prefabricated modules. The construction material reappears in the interior design, in particular in the guest rooms.” (Jury citation)

The daycare facility for children in Fechenheim has been handed over to the property developer. It is the third completed project from our series “Baukastensystem für Kindertagesstätten (modular design system for childcare facilities) in Frankfurt on the Main” (2009 design competition). The new building is a two-storey timber construction that meets the passive house standard. It provides space for another 100 children.

DHBW builds a new vehicle testing laboratory with two engine test stands in Horb. The brief included two major requirements. Firstly, the scheme was to respond to the close proximity to the recreational area on the banks of the river Neckar. Secondly, future developments on the site of the university campus were to be taken into account. At the heart of the new building are the two engine test stands for research and teaching. In an open space layout, the operator rooms and the vehicle measuring and testing laboratory are arranged around it. According to the requirements, the building envelope has been divided into two parts: a highly insulated plaster façade acts as the building's thermal enclosure. On the outside, the expanded metal curtain conceals storage and service areas, whilst presenting the new building on the campus with a homogeneous appearance. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2015.

The children’s centre "In den Schafgärten" in Harheim was handed over to the user. It is the second building from our series of modular design system for childcare facilities in Frankfurt on the Main.

Honourable mention in the design competition "Albert-Schweitzer-Schule Wiesbaden": “The comprehensible layering and overlapping of five building volumes, and their spatial arrangement, shape defined interior and exterior spaces. This proposal is also very suitable to meet the requirements on urban planning. The architects respond to the train line in the east by using the sports hall as a “sound absorber”. (...) The concrete volumes are characterised by their simplicity and robustness. They are structured by generous façade recesses. The proposed solid construction gives grounds to expect a cost-effective realisation.” (Jury citation)

Honourable mention in the design competition "Parkhaus und Pflanzenhaus Überlingen” (Car park and plant house in Überlingen): “The multi-storey car park and the plant house appear as two intimate, and yet according to their function differentiated buildings, which altogether manifest an appropriate modesty. From the perspective of the urban realm they are clearly positioned. Embedded in the surroundings, they create a place that has the power to enhance its sense of identity. The car park building is wrapped into a fine metal mesh fabric, which stretches at the upper levels over the edges of the floor slabs. With the emerging sculptural effect the building radiates an air of tranquil power, and captivates through its dynamic nature. Through its simplistic cylinder shape the glazed plant house meets its functional requirements. In its formal modesty it refrains from entering into a competition with the surroundings. The result is an almost nimble ease, an air of lightness under an umbrella-like roof.” (Jury citation)

In the east end of Frankfurt, construction work on the Dahlmannschule has begun. The school with sports facilities, as well as a pool, features a multi-storey timber façade, and meets the passive house standard.

Honourable mention in the design competition “Community Centre and Chapel in Manheim-neu” “The compact arrangement of chapel and parish house scores with its outstanding suitability for the village scale (...) The lighting concept seems to work well and radiates a feeling of comfort and security. The functional rooms of the chapel act as a protective shell. A special feature is the candle chapel in the foyer of the tower. It complements the large opening of the chapel room towards the square.” (Excerpt from the jury report)

Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten receive the 2nd prize in a design competition to provide the "Neue Mitte (new centre) Remseck on River Neckar - Town Hall, Bürgersaal (citizen’s hall) and Library". “The compact and clear-cut arrangement of building volumes, and the allocation of functional spaces generates well-proportioned volumes with a coherent façade concept. The design features consistent and efficient floor plans and provides for interiors from adequate to high-quality. They are functional and take the conditions and requirements for fire safety measures into account. The proposed materials and the façade concept featuring floor-to-ceiling box-window constructions promise a high-quality appearance. The thermal concept is simple, but coherent and effective.” (Excerpt from the jury report)

07 March 2014, the Spanish newspaper EL PAIS presents 40 viewpoints worldwide. Amongst these is the Jüberg tower in Hemer: 40miradasquevuelan

the groundbreaking ceremony for the first construction stage of the Centre for Technology and Vocational Training (BTZ) was held on the Handwerkskammer für Schwaben (Chamber of Crafts for Swbia) campus. In 2011 Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten won 1st place in the design competition. The design phase started in January 2012. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017. Buildings originating from different decades have created a rather heterogeneous structure on the premises of the Chamber of Crafts for Swabia in Augsburg. The Chamber of Crafts has spent the last ten years redeveloping the site. The new buildings for the BTZ (1. and 2. construction stage), and for the administration building (3. construction stage) are the largest and most important development step for the plot. One of the major challenges is to keep lessons running in the existing buildings during the construction period.

In this year’s AR+D Awards for Emerging Architecture the jury (Catherine Slessor, Eric Owen Moss, Manuelle Gautrand, Peter Cook) announces four proposals out of 350 submissions as winners, ten others are highly commended. We are pleased to be represented with the Jübergturm amongst award winning projects. Until 22 January 2014 the winning and commended schemes are on show at the RIBA in London and published in the December edition of Architectural Review.

Recognition in the limited design competition Neubau Gewerbehof Nord (new building for business park) in Munich: “The scheme stands out with its simple clarity, and yet dynamic design. The central entrance, inserted in the building establishes a connection between the Wilhelmine-Reichard-Straße and the depot situated to the south of it. (...) Along the lines “less is more” the minimalist façade is reduced to a classic modular order. The fact that it achieves much by using little is regarded as a positive feature. This way the business park holds its ground and draws attention to its outstanding architectural design. The scheme convinces with its well-structured layout of open spaces.” (Excerpt from the jury report)

Our office spaces published: "76 architectural practices offer insight into their workplaces. They work in skyscrapers and barns, in the city and in warehouses, by the water and in the woods. An introductory essay and a basic study of studio types complement these exemplary insights.

Topping-out for the Science Park was celebrated on the north campus of Kassel University. Upon completion by the end of 2014 the new Innovation and Start-up Centre will accommodate various sized offices, laboratories, shop floors, studios and a number of shared facilities.

The scheme by Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten in collaboration with Gramazio & Kohler, is short-listed for the design competition Parkhaus am Viehmarkt (multi-storey car park at the Viehmarkt) in CH-Murten: “With its standardization the inner room layout is remarkably simple. Building structure and materials have consistently been thought-out. An organic, self-contained volume directly derived from its function enters into a dialogue with its surroundings. Especially to the north it becomes tangible as a whole (...).” (Excerpt from the jury report)

Responsible - Diligent - Sustainable - Just - Open“, this is the manifesto of the brief (ArchitectureofNecessity - The Call) to the international Triennial „ArchitectureofNecessitiy 2013“, aiming at a holistic and sustainable building culture. From all submitted proposals 42 schemes were selected to be on show. The Lechsteg (bridge over the River Lech, 1st prize in the 2011 design competition) in Landsberg is one of the selected schemes. In the context of the Wood 2013 the works are on display in the Virserums Konsthall in Smaland, Sweden until 8. December 2013. A publication of the works has been released to accompany the show.

We are pleased that the projects KiTa Schöne Aussicht, Frankfurt on the Main and Jübergturm Hemer were awarded with the label "bestarchitects 14" Extract from the call for entries: “The award bestarchitects is regarded as a seal of quality for outstanding architectural performance and puts the prize-winners to the top of the international architecture scene. Now in its seventh year, the bestarchitects award is one of the world's leading architecture awards in the German-speaking countries.”

From today, after a stop at the Deutsche Architekturzentrum Berlin the wechselraum presents the AKJAA exhibition "Aus allen Richtungen - Positionen junger Architekten im BDA" including works by Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel. In individually filled show cases the exhibition presents found objects related to the daily production process and reveals a free-spirited insight into the personal venture of architecture.

The construction works on the five group day-care centre for children, Schöne Aussicht, at Riedberg in Frankfurt on the Main are completed and the KiTa was handed over to the user. The two-storey building is the prototype of the building block design system.

As part of the lecture series "Bottomup" by Wüstenrot Stiftung and Peter Behrens School of Architecture, Stephan Birk speaks today at 6 p.m. in Düsseldorf.

At the invitation of Prof. Riklef Rambow, Stephan Birk gives a talk as part of the 2013 summer semester series "Wir müssen reden!” (We must talk!) at KIT. It starts at 7 p.m., lecture room Egon Eiermann, Englerstrasse 7, Karlsruhe. Organisers: Fachgebiet Architekturkommunikation (a*komm) Institut Entwerfen, Kunst und Theorie (ekut) Fakultät für Architektur Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT).

The new building for the innovation and start-up centre is an essential part of the new North Campus of Kassel University. The groundbreaking was celebrated with representatives from politics, industry and the university, as well as with participants of the start-up programme.

Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten win the 3rd place in the design competition Dreifeld-Sporthalle Nordstadtschule (three-span sports hall of Nordstadt School) in Pforzheim: “With its distance to the Nordstadt School the sports hall maintains the necessary respect for the building and demarcates a stone-tiled schoolyard of sufficient size. The design responds adequately to the given topology of the site. Judiciously designed the building is layered into a stone plinth, dug into the ground, with an elevated, well proportioned, translucent superstructure. With its grace the stance of the building volume responds adequately to the Nordstadt School. (...) The structure appears to be well thought out and comprises an important element in the trio concept proposed by the architects. This consists of a solid plinth, a translucent envelope and a timber structure. These elements are determining factors for the inner and outer spatial quality, and for the atmosphere of the building.” (Excerpt from the jury report)

Groundbreaking for the Robotik und Mechatronik Zentrum (RMC) took place on the DLR Campus in Oberpfaffenhofen. The new construction aims at combining the centre’s research activities in one building, in order to establish highly efficient and interactive collaborations between departments. The different areas of the RMC are organised in a large compact building that is structured through four inner court yards. The plinth houses most of the laboratory and research areas. The upper floors accommodate offices and meeting rooms for scientists. In 2010 the design competition was won and the new building is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014.

Successful house warming party! Thank you for celebrating with us!

Stephan Birk is guest in the "Vortragreihe Architektur” (architecture lecture series) of the architecture faculty of Bochum University. The talk starts at 6 p.m. in the BlueBox.

The construction work on the Science Park Center on the university campus in Kassel has started. The Gründerzentrum (start-up centre) is to be completed by the end of 2014. The design phase started in January 2012 after the award of 2nd prize in the design competition.

The construction work on the KT96 in Frankfurt-Harheim has started. The childcare centre (timber structure, passive house standard) comprising six groups follows KT Schöne Aussicht as the second project, based on our building block design system for childcare centres (Design competition 2009, 1st prize). It is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2013.

The construction work for the Robotik und Mechatronik Zentrum has started on the DLR Campus in Oberpfaffenhofen. After the 2010 design competition (1st prize) the planning phase began in January 2011.

The Jüberg tower is presented in the international publication "Backstage Architecture”:Backstage Architecture is the second edition of a scouting that takes place every two years to individuate young promising architects worldwide, aged under 35. This book presents one best project per nation, selected by a young architectural critic who works in the same country. The book has been curated by Luigi Prestinenza Puglisi, Bernardina Borra, Nicolò Lewanski, Rosella Longavita, Federica Russo.

We moved into our new office spaces in Adlerstrasse 31 in Stuttgart’s South. Our email addresses and telephone numbers have changed too - From now on you can call us on +49 711 664 822 0 or send us a fax on +49 711 664 822 28.

After seven successful years as Birk und Heilmeyer Architekten we now teamed up with Martin Frenzel and operate under the name of Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Gesellschaft von Architekten mbH.