Awarding of the prizes for the Jena Façade Prize 2021

Thanks to private sponsors, the city of Jena was once again able to award the Jena Façade Prize for the 29th time this year. A total of €11,000 was available as prize money, which was divided between the main prize, the recognitions and the special prize for energy efficiency. Only awards without prize money are given to public contractors and larger players in the housing market.

By the beginning of October, 10 applications had been received. These cover a wide range of projects. From smaller and larger private residential buildings to public institutions and mixed-use buildings, the range extends all the way to commercial buildings. The nine-member jury, which consisted of representatives of the sponsors, the city administration and a member of the architectural advisory board, met on November 11, 2021. Due to the difficult situation regarding the organization of a central award ceremony, the jury decided once again this year to present the prizes individually on a small scale at the respective prize-winning property. In addition to the main prize, the jury awarded commendations, recognitions and the special energy prize.

Two recognitions and the special energy prize have already been presented this week.

Today, two commendations and the Jena Façade Award were presented:

• The Hörtzsch family was awarded recognition for the renovation of the residential building at Am Planetarium 31 (planning: Otto Architektur + Landschaftsarchitektur Partnerschaft mbB, Jena), together with prize money of €1,000. The cheque, certificate and stainless steel plaque were presented by Mr. Heyder (HEYX Engineering) on behalf of the sponsors and Mr. Neumann (Head of Urban Planning) on behalf of the city council.

  The existing residential building in the Damenviertel ensemble of listed buildings was extensively renovated, the roof area was converted and an elevator extension was added to the courtyard. The original color scheme and details (window jambs, balcony surrounds, front door, etc.) were preserved in the street façade with high-quality craftsmanship. This design standard was also transferred to the courtyard side and developed further. In the jury's opinion, the clever design of the elevator shaft has made the building barrier-free. The jury praised the refurbishment as a positive example of overcoming the difficulties involved in making a Wilhelminian-style building barrier-free. Together with the contemporary redesign of the front garden, a façade image appropriate to the Damenviertel was created.

• The Töpfer family received an award for the renovation of the former residential stable house at Diakonatsgasse 2 (KOOP Architekten, Weimar)together with prize money of €3,000 . A plaque, certificate and flowers were presented by Ms. Wackernagel (private sponsor) on behalf of the sponsors and by Mr. Neumann (Head of Urban Planning) on behalf of the city administration.

  In the opinion of the jury, the building blends in very well with the townscape of Altlobedaafter a pleasant refurbishment. No effort was spared here and, above all, the façade and thus the face of the building were upgraded with subtle stylistic elements. In addition to the new plain tile roofing , the new wooden sash bar windows, whose frames have been highlighted in color, are particularly eye-catching. Natural stone window sills were also installed and the natural stone plinth, especially in the entrance area, was refurbished. The rear and the backyard of the building were completely gutted and upgraded in the uniform style of the street elevations.

  The color scheme after the renovation is harmonious, warm and a pleasant addition to the townscape. The newly created terrace is reminiscent of Mediterranean summer nights and rounds off the overall appearance of the house.

This year's Jena Façade Award 2021, which includes prize money of €6,000, goes to the Seif family for the renovation of the residential building with barn at Teichgasse 3 (planned in-house).

• The brass plaque, the certificate including prize money and the flower greeting were presented on behalf of the sponsors by the chairman of the jury, Mr. Bachrodt (gisi architecture), Ms. Wackernagel, Mr. Kühn (HI-Bauprojekt GmbH) and for the city administration by the mayor and department head Mr. Gerlitz.

  " A small jewel was created in a long discussion with the building, which positively shapes the area around the Winzerla village church," as Mr. Bachodt emphasized. In the residential building, the existing structure was appreciated and not transformed beyond recognition. The small windows, which characterize the face of the building in a high-quality wooden design, are very charming. Equally successful is the way the plinth, which was designed as a natural stone plinth at the time of construction, has been emphasized . The gable was again constructed using traditional timber cladding , thus structuring the building in an exemplary manner. The jury particularly praised the barn, where both the timber and the framework of the half-timbering were restored in an excellent craftsmanlike manner . The chosen colors draw a uniform line and repeatedly make references to other parts of the building as well as to the traditional surroundings. The green inner courtyard completes the property with lovingly designed details that give the users peace and security.

  The project fully meets the intentions of the façade award, as the courtyard complex has been renovated with great sensitivity over many years. The jury emphasized that the renovation of the courtyard complex went above and beyond the usual measures in terms of attention to detail. " The outward commitment of this year's award winner's building owners makes a wonderful contribution to strengthening the appearance of the historic village center of Winzerla," said Mayor Christian Gerlitz.

Overview of the 2021 award winners

"The city of Jena would like to sincerely thank all sponsors, without whose commitment the Façade Award 2021 would not have been possible," emphasizes Gerlitz. These are in 2021:

• Sparkasse Jena Saale Holzland
• IBA GmbH
• HI Bauprojekt GmbH
• S&L Szymanski GmbH
• Optician Stegmann
• District craftsmen's association Jena-Saale-Holzland
• Your painter Thomas Jüttner GmbH
• OTTO Architektur + Landschaftsarchitektur Partnerschaft mbB
• AICON Real Estate
• Family Gummich
• HEYX Engineering
• Gisi Architecture
• Mrs. Wackernagel
• Restoration "Stilbruch"
• Hotel & Bowling Jembopark
• Steffen Kind - Energy consulting and building analysis