News

Our design was awarded first prize in the competition "New administration building in straw bale construction" on the grounds of the Hessenpark Open-Air Museum.
„The building evolves from an almost square footprint, with the east side directing towards the entrance. It forms an autonomous entity that is not predominantly oriented towards the surrounding typologies. An only slightly pitched roof underpins its form, which is striking in its flatness. This subtle approach works well, although the timber structure would imply a perpendicular construction. The building is organised around an inner courtyard, which is set slightly off-centre. This creates different spatial zones allocated to the respective occupations. In combination with the inner courtyard, the zoning and versatility result in high standard offices and meeting rooms.
The energy efficiency requirements of the State of Hesse to exceed the minimum legal requirements are easily met with this design. The proposed energy concept consistently pursues the low tech principle and thus impresses the jury". (Excerpt from the jury assessment)

Our design for the new Thomas Weiland building on the Stadtmitte Süd campus of TU Darmstadt convinced jury and client: "From an urban planning point of view, the building is skilfully positioned. The design is unpretentious, yet rational and self-evident. Taking advantage of and strengthening the topographical situation, the architects succeed in creating not only a southern entrance but also an entrance facing Fraunhoferstrasse. The foyer on the east, which extends from south to north, is inviting and can be used multifunctionally. The floor plans of the standard floors are functional and communicative; the connection of the campus-side foyer to the lift may prove to be insufficient.
The façade design with curtain PV elements addresses current economic and ecological issues. The proposed timber frame construction for the upper floors is sustainable and economically feasible.

Birk Heilmeyer und Frenzel Architekten are awarded first place in the competition for the new Heilbronn District Court and win the contract. The new building to replace the old one is situated on the boundary to the north of the site. This gives the building a prominent position in the street space and sets it apart from the existing public authority centre. A recess on the ground floor creates a spacious covered entrance area, which provides orientation and guidance for visitors.
The layout of the interior is primarily based on the complex requirements for occupancy-use and safety. By organising the rooms in a double ring around the central green inner courtyard, the required separation of paths can be realised in the best possible way. On the outside, the new district building has a fine-textured appearance. Structure and exterior walls comprise timber, constructed with expertise on the material in a contemporary design.

Teaming up with knippershelbig Ingenieure, we are delighted to have won 1st prize in the Illersteg Kempten competition. The jury's citation: "The project team proposes a deliberately minimalist, unobtrusive scheme for the new Illersteg, combined with a hybrid construction that is highly innovative with regard to technology and design. The extremely intelligent combination of the materials steel, wood and carbon reinforced concrete as well as the modular design are convincing. The project takes a radically new approach and is therefore one of a kind. With its distinguished, low-key character, the building responds well to the location and its surroundings. The filigree support is set off-center, allowing an almost undisturbed view onto the watercourse of the Iller. At the eastern entrance, the transition to the waterfront has been designed to be appealing and will redefine this spot into a meeting place (without the pressure to consume). Onlookers perceive the structural design as clear and traceable. Of particular quality is the design of the bridge's soffit made of wood, which is easily visible from the banks of the Iller.  The jury was also convinced by the transitions to the abutments and thus to the riverbank..."