Architecture Studio SS2020

07.07.2020, Johanniskreuz: In the summer semester of 2020, our architecture studio team has been developing concepts to revive the “forest house Schwarzsohl”, a remote hut deep in the woods of the palatinate forest. Built in 1785, it lies on the narrow connecting road between Weidenthal and Elmstein, at its highest point. For many years it was valued as an important starting point for hikers and mountain bikers. Due to its remote location, the building has to be fully self-sufficient, without external electricity or water supply.

Waldhaus Schwarzsohl Aufmass LBB

The temporary end for the previous restaurant in this location came two years ago due to the considerable need for renovation, modern fire protection, hygiene and environmental standards. When determining the scope of the renovation, the idea arose to introduce innovative approaches to modern timber construction, particularly in the (forest) biosphere reserve Pfälzerwald. This was the starting point of a collaboration of the foresty department (Landesforsten RLP), the public buildings administration (LBB RLP) and 16 students of the DTC architecture studio in the summer semester of 2020.

Joerg Wagner

The students also received an up to date survey of the existing building from the LBB team and a 3D laser scan model of the site and building from the state department of geodata (Landesamt für Geodaten RLP). The students also received professional input for the detailing of the timber structures from the head of our local timber construction experts CLTech GmbH, Juergen Gottschall.

Joerg Wagner

The task for the student team was to develop a new concept, where parts of the well-preserved natural stone outer walls and cellar of the original building should be preserved, while other parts such as the ceilings, roof and interior walls must be removed due to their condition.

Artur Avanesjan

The parts worth preserving should be supplemented with a digitally prefabricated modular wooden structure, with reference to the history of the site and original building and at the same time modern, sustainable and inviting for a future proof use of the site – for example for relaxation, environmental education, or sporting activities in the middle of the “Mountain Bike Park Pfälzerwald” with a good network of hiking trails – or alternatively also as a new location for teaching and research activities between the two future TUK locations, north and south of the forest.

Maed Asfour
Katharina Pruefer

Due to budget constraints and environmental aspects, the construction should be completed on site as quickly as possible. The students used BIM, modular and digital prefabrication concepts to achieve this.

Katharina Pruefer
Janina Gauf

News Article Die Rheinpfalz, 8.7.2020

Students:
Artur Avanesjan, Canan Gökkurt, Celine-Gabrielle Brinkmann, Janina Gauf, Jennifer Kaub, Jörg Wagner, Katharina Prüfer, Koray Tüze, Celine Lahaye, Leon Landry, Lisa Braun, Lisa Kunz, Lisa-Marie Höfer, Marco Pfeiffer, Maed Asfour, Steven Becker

A special thanks to our supporters and guest critics:

  • Landesforsten Rheinland-Pfalz: Dr. Ute Fenkner-Giess
  • LBB Rheinland-Pfalz: Ilona Tinti, Dr. Lothar Lukoschek
  • Landesamt für Geodaten Rheinland-Pfalz, Dr. Jörg Kurpjuhn
  • Holzbaucluster Rheinland-Pfalz: Hannsjörg Pohlmeyer
  • Umweltministerium Rheinland-Pfalz: Werner Theis
  • Haus der Nachhaltigkeit Johanniskreus: Michael Leschnig
  • CLTech GmbH: Jürgen Gottschall