Berlin-based architectural firm Sauerbruch Hutton has claimed the German Architecture Prize for the second time, taking home the €30,000 award. Together with Innovatio Projektentwicklung from Heidelberg and Profund from Gera, they brought "Franklin Village" to life in Mannheim. Awarded biennially by the Federal Ministry of Building and the Federal Chamber of Architects, this state prize stands as Germany's most prestigious honour for architects, recognizing outstanding contributions to building culture. The Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR) administers the rigorous selection process. Winners were announced and celebrated at a formal ceremony in Berlin on 18 September 2025. Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Construction Verena Hubertz highlighted the project's far-reaching significance: "Home is where we feel at ease. That feeling doesn't stop at your front door—it extends across the entire neighborhood. Franklin Village embodies this principle. Built almost entirely in timber, it actively reduces CO₂ emissions and delivers genuine sustainability. Quality of life for residents is built right into the design. As a prize winner, this project becomes a beacon, showing us what tomorrow's architecture can achieve: inclusive, affordable, and ecologically sound."

Andrea Gebhard, President of the Federal Chamber of Architects (BAK), reflects on the achievement: "Every building project shapes our future. Facing a housing shortage, we need solutions that are fast and affordable without compromising ecological responsibility, social equity, or architectural excellence. This year's prize winners prove convincingly that affordability and building culture aren't mutually exclusive—they can thrive together through smart design and courageous planning." With Franklin Village, Sauerbruch Hutton has created a beacon project—both architecturally and socially—that stands out in the urban landscape. This residential development anchors a new neighborhood exemplifying successful densification, mixed-use living, and outstanding design. Transformed from a former military site, a thriving multi-generational community has emerged—one that doesn't just celebrate diversity, but truly embodies it. Five new structures and one thoughtfully expanded heritage building create an ensemble accommodating diverse lifestyles: single apartments, traditional family homes, and cluster dwellings with shared spaces. Arranged around a protected, tree-filled courtyard, column-free galleries foster spontaneous encounters and strengthen community bonds. Colourful partition walls and ceiling soffits create striking contrast against the grey-glazed timber façade, infusing the courtyard with distinctive warmth and personality. Generous staircases flowing into the courtyard establish seamless circulation—the perfect stage for genuine community life. Architecturally, Franklin Village speaks a clear, restrained language with uncompromising timber construction quality. The spatial design demonstrates convincingly how sustainability and aesthetic excellence move forward together. The ensemble welcomes not only residents but also invites passersby to linger in thoughtfully varied public spaces. Franklin Village transcends conventional residential architecture—it's a manifesto for vibrant, resilient urban futures: diverse, sustainable, and beautiful.

Beyond the main prize, the jury recognized ten additional projects with €3,000 awards each. The jury was impressed by the impressive scope of entries—192 submissions from 176 architectural offices and collaborative practices. The German Architecture Prize traces its lineage back to 1977 and has been jointly administered by the BMWSB and BAK since 2011 as the nation's state prize for architecture. The BBR oversees the entire selection process and competition coordination. The prize celebrates exemplary buildings that demonstrate outstanding architectural quality and building culture. Whether newly constructed or sensitively renovated, these projects showcase thoughtful materials and construction techniques. Each winner commits to sustainable building practices—ecologically, economically, and culturally—while strengthening our public realm. These award-winning projects serve a dual purpose: they inspire future developments and deepen public understanding of why building culture and sustainable design matter.

www.www.bbr.bund.de