House of Youth Church Music

Our design envisions an ensemble figure consisting of two building parts, connected by a shared base. Both parts adopt the typology of the gabled houses found in the surrounding historic city center. The functions are clearly separated through the two volumes: the residential building in the north is extended with an additional floor featuring four identical gabled roofs, oriented with their gable ends facing Saalgasse. South of this is the music school building, whose gable faces the new wing of the Historical Museum, thus aligning with the longitudinal direction of the museum and the Schirn Kunsthalle.
This creates a dynamic and harmonious interlocking of the two building elements with each other and with the surrounding context. The inner corner on the southwest side of the ensemble forms a natural forecourt with visually engaging sightlines. In the warmer months, this space can be used by the music school as a public garden or stage. The large rehearsal rooms are aligned along a circulation hall, each opening to the outside through generous window openings that establish a strong visual and spatial connection. At the southern end of this hall, an open staircase leads to the upper floors. A lounge-like communal area serves here as a break room and foyer for the vocal training and rehearsal rooms of the Cathedral Choir School. Administrative offices and additional rehearsal rooms are located on the third floor.
The shared roof garden, planted with greenery, forms the upper conclusion of the base and is assigned to the residential building. The entrance to the residential building is located on the eastern side, allowing it to establish an independent and identifiable address.
The existing stairwell is extended by the addition of an elevator, providing access to all residential floors. Thanks to the efficient layout of the 2- to 4-room apartments, a second stairwell is not required, thereby maximizing usable living space. The hallway leads into a cozy and well-lit entrance area. In the attic levels, spacious maisonette apartments are created.