Katharina Lore Meyer, Simon Kallfaß, Franziska Schäfer, and Thomasz Iwanek won the 17th edition of the Ernst-May Prize (NHW Award South). On the final day, they prevailed with their projects. Luzie Geißler received an honorable mention. Prior to the award ceremony, NHW Managing Director Monika Fontaine-Kretschmer, Martin Hunscher (Head of the Urban Planning Office, Frankfurt), and Prof. Dr. Martino Tattara (Department of Architecture, TU Darmstadt) welcomed attendees in the atrium of the Frankfurt Urban Planning Office. Prof. André Kempe (Institute for Design and Building Science, Leibniz University Hannover) and Prof. Sabrina Wirtz (Chair for Sustainable Construction and Design in Existing Buildings, Hochschule Kaiserslautern) delivered lectures to set the stage for the ceremonial award presentation.

The NHW has been awarding the Ernst-May Prize for almost 40 years in collaboration with the Department of Design and Housing at TU Darmstadt. This year’s theme focused on “The Transformation of Social Housing in Frankfurt”, asking: How can NHW sustainably transform its extensive social housing stock? Students were tasked with developing creative yet realistic design strategies for seven NHW building types from the 1950s to 1970s, all located in the greater Frankfurt area. The designs needed to address social, economic, and energy-related challenges. The focus was on typological solutions rather than a single neighborhood, aiming to develop modular, adaptable strategies for future housing needs. The emphasis was on adapting buildings to future living requirements rather than solely on energy renovation.

Seventeen master’s students submitted projects. The jury, consisting of Chair Prof. André Kempe (Leibniz University Hannover; partner, Atelier Kempe Thill Architects and Planners, Rotterdam), NHW Managing Director Monika Fontaine-Kretschmer, Martin Hunscher (Head of Urban Planning Office, Frankfurt), Prof. Sabrina Wirtz (Hochschule Kaiserslautern; partner, ROSA Wirtz Architektur, Frankfurt am Main), Sara Schmitt Pacifico (City of Frankfurt, Planning and Housing Department), and Sven Schubert (NHW, Project Manager Special Projects, Modernization / Major Maintenance Division), made their decisions after several hours of intensive deliberation.

First prize was awarded to Katharina Lore Meyer. Two second prizes went to Simon Kallfaß and Franziska Schäfer. Thomasz Iwanek received third prize. Luzie Geißler received an honorable mention.

Katharina Lore Meyer impressed the jury by focusing on the building as a whole, both inside and out. Her design balances functional and contemporary comfort with energy efficiency. Her project emphasizes environmental material selection, architectural quality, and interactive social or everyday functions. She consciously minimized interior interventions to reduce disruption for residents, while new design elements, such as integrated planters on balconies, enhance living quality. The jury also highlighted her use of bio-based building materials, particularly cork for insulation, and her thoughtful approach to photovoltaics, sun and shading protection, and the concept of a “social façade,” which encourages neighborly interaction and multifunctional use across the building.

“The quality of the submissions was very high,” confirmed Prof. Dr. Martino Tattara. “A wide range of architectural solutions emerged, all thoughtfully addressing neighborhoods and tomorrow’s housing concepts. Collaboration with NHW is extremely valuable, as it allows students to engage with real challenges, experience the buildings they work on firsthand, and gain insights into the operations of a major housing company. At the same time, it encourages broader critical reflection on the responsibilities of architects and opens opportunities to explore alternative models of professional engagement.”

Supporting young talent is a key pillar of NHW’s social commitment. For almost 40 years, Hesse’s largest housing company has awarded the €10,000 Ernst-May Prize every two years in collaboration with TU Darmstadt. Since 2018, NHW has also alternated with the Ernst-May Prize in northern Hesse in partnership with the University of Kassel, awarding the €10,000 NHW Award North.

The Ernst-May Prize promotes students’ academic and professional engagement with socially oriented housing, settlement, and urban planning challenges. The focus is on ensuring safe and socially responsible housing for a wide population, including those who face difficulties finding housing due to personal circumstances. The award emphasizes experimental and visionary housing and hybrid concepts, including the associated public spaces, particularly in the Rhine-Main region.

The projects will be on display from 7 to 19 November in the atrium of the Frankfurt Urban Planning Office. Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.

More information about the competition can be found at: www.nhw-award.de