The project transforms the semi-open urban block and approaches the design task as the challenge of developing a contemporary, readable urban housing typology as a collective housing block.
The design draws on strategies learned from the large housing blocks of 1920s. The balcony layers link the buildings together—like holding hands—creating a continuous, shared façade while maintaining clear distinctions between the individual houses. This connecting element separates public and private realms while creating a permeable and vibrant façade zone. In this way, the qualities of the Weiseritz green corridor are activated and views towards the historic old-town skyline are carefully staged.

The elevated corner building becomes an urban marker for the new quarter. A continuous plinth of light-grey clinker brick visually connects the buildings, forming an identity-defining ensemble. The buildings within the block are given distinct and legible addresses towards the street. Barrier-free access to the remise and to the building at Floßhofstraße 5 is provided via the courtyard.

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Rotunda × Betula is a festival and biennale pavilion designed to be a source of joy and a memorable experience. On the outside, square panels of white birch bark create a calm, rhythmic skin that shimmers and immediately catches the eye. In this way it serves as a place of “aha” moments, welcoming visitors to arrive, linger, and connect. The pavilion functions both as a meeting point and a platform for events. Rotunda x Betula is particularly suited for programs that place sustainability, collective action, self-efficacy, and climate-conscious building practices and design at the center of their agenda.

Built from 342 identical stools made of birch bark and reclaimed wood. The ground module for the pavilion is a simple yet versatile stool, designed to combine two materials: reclaimed wood and birch bark. The square seat, measuring 450 mm x 450 mm, is crafted from triple-layered birch ply. Inside, the brownish backside of the birch bark softens sound offering an unexpected moment of focus and contemplation.  In this way, giving space to spark dialogue on adaptive reuse, bio-based materials, and experimental construction techniques. The interior of the Rotunda can, on the way it is engaged, become a space for deep exchange, reflection and slowness.

The strong and autonomous sculpture is equally suitable to be stages in an urban enviroment at a lake or beach or as an ethereal object within the forest. Serving either as a space for reflection and stillness, or as a setting for a performance.

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Transformation of a former gdr toilet block into a cheerful place to sweat. The brickwork is precisely opened up with an opening towards the forest. A loggia provides spatial depth and creates a place for the smll village communty to linger and relax. The intervention remains minimally invasive. The house retains its charming, rugged character. Still used as a wood store, the surrounding firewood now acts as insulation and can also dry out well thanks to the warmth of the sauna.

The central window gives the house its name. In the cool of the night, it gets hot in the demi-lune sauna. In keeping with the name, a small nocturnal creature joins the project. An owl-shaped screen offers guest addiotnal privaciy if required. The moon-shaped view from the sauna itself is the staged anticipation, as a tranquil forest lake awaits guests behind the hill.

Cabinet, lamp, door handle and hook from maple woods created in collaboration with Arne Maxim Koll.

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more soon.

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