Town-House Hybrid: Rammed Earth and Circular Construction for Contemporary Educational Architecture | Masters Design Project

Site Context

The project site is located directly adjacent to the Saarbrücken Adult Education Center (VHS) in the area of the former parking lot at Nanteser Platz. The surroundings are characterized by an open and heterogeneous spatial structure that sits between public educational and administrative buildings and large, unarticulated outdoor areas. The immediate proximity to the VHS establishes a clear functional connection within the city’s educational network, while the existing square currently functions mainly as a transit and traffic space.

Situated at a central threshold between Alt-Saarbrücken and the city center, the site has strong locational potential but lacks spatial definition, edge formation, and inviting qualities. The surrounding open space is heavily sealed and fragmented, with only sparse greenery. However, the existing pedestrian connections—particularly those linking to the river Saar, the historic Schloss area, and the city center—provide significant opportunities for integrating the new building into the urban fabric.

In this context, the proposed square-shaped building acts as a new spatial anchor. It redefines the previously diffuse edge along the VHS, strengthens the spatial enclosure of Nanteser Platz, and serves as a mediating element between educational functions, public space, and the surrounding urban structures.

Design Process

The design process began with an analysis of the site, including spatial qualities, existing uses, materiality, and the potential for building with earth. The fragmented character of Nanteser Platz and the direct connection to the VHS shaped the decision to work with a clear, quadratic building form.

Using local rammed earth as the main material supports this compact geometry, allowing for robust, modular, and expressive wall structures. The building height responds to the surrounding scale, creating a balanced presence within the urban context.

A slight path elevation was developed to ensure barrier-free access to the VHS, forming a new topographical link between the two buildings and integrating the project smoothly into its environment. Overall, the design connects material logic, form, and context into a cohesive architectural response.

Final Outcome

The final design presents a compact rammed-earth building whose natural tones harmonize with the post-war architecture surrounding Nanteser Platz. Accentuated orange window openings establish a vivid visual rhythm, giving the building a distinct identity. Slightly recessed into the ground, it creates a calm, atmospheric entry to the art exhibition spaces located in the basement.

Through its materiality and colour palette, the project ties into the existing urban fabric while establishing a contemporary presence. Positioned to form a clear architectural dialogue with the neighbouring VHS, the new building helps articulate a revitalized urban centre within Alt-Saarbrücken. It complements the existing adult education centre in the Old Town Hall by providing barrier-free access, additional educational spaces, and new cultural functions.

The ground floor accommodates a library with a generous lounge area, while the upper floor extends the programme of the VHS. Open views toward Nanteser Platz and its characteristic plane trees strengthen the relationship between interior and exterior spaces.

Structurally, the building rests on a refined reinforced-concrete frame wrapped in massive rammed-earth walls. The locally sourced clay is fully reusable, supporting circular construction principles. Reed insulation and an intensive green roof contribute to an ecological and climate-resilient design.

Energy and ventilation strategies are informed by a microclimatic analysis of the square. A central skylight acts as a thermal chimney and illuminates the sculptural orange staircase that vertically connects all levels. Seating niches integrated into the rammed-earth walls double as information displays, offering spaces for rest, learning, and interaction.

Conclusion: By redefining a long-neglected gap site, the project introduces new cultural activity, spatial coherence, and architectural quality to the heart of the city.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]