Winner of the Marita Schnepper Award 2025. The jury reached a tie. This entry is awarded 1.250 €.
Construction between 05/05/2025 and 06/03/2026, Bissingen, Germany
The Rotary Schutzhaus Michelsberg emerged from the needs of a youth campsite. It was built as an experiment and as a template in a future oriented building culture. We used simple, circular, economical and precise methods. The Rotary Schutzhaus Michelsberg protects not only people but also resources. It shows how architects can implement their responsibilities.
Jury Statements:
Pro
“The idea of the shelter is one that can be implemented very well elsewhere, since everything is very compactly constructed and can therefore be passed on as a complete package.
“The design is interesting and well thought out.
“Unassuming and not very unusual in appearance, but ecological/sustainable and apparently quite well thought out in detail.
“The idea is good: design every connection so you can take the building apart later and reuse the materials. Mechanical fixings, no glue, modular parts. That’s the future.
“I admire the teaching model. Getting students to build teaches them more than any lecture.
Con:
“On the other hand, it is not very “innovative” itself, as it only implements what already exists in terms of sustainable innovation.
“Some gaps: it is intentions, not results. It hasn’t been tested. They say “adhesive-free,” but the timber beams are certainly glued. Where’s the life-cycle assessment and data on construction waste? The solar panels are installed, but we don’t know how much energy they produce. Sustainable architecture is about performance you can measure.
Link to a website displaying the completed project