The three-family house stands on the 1500-year-old Franconian trade route, which led directly to the ford in the Middle Ages. A cultural mile is currently being created in Paradiesgasse. The Kuhhirtenturm (part of the city fortifications) is being used as a Hindemith museum, while the Paradieshof is currently being converted into a cabaret theater.

New building in old surroundings: the 8 m wide building picks up on the typology of the residential buildings in the district. The concrete structure extends into the street space on three levels and makes use of the air space. It is flanked on both sides by historicizing residential buildings. The 143 m² rubble plot with its 3 escape routes from the neighboring building was considered unbuildable. The escape routes are incorporated and play a key role in determining the floor plan. Two work apartments and a maisonette apartment are set up on six levels, four floors are barrier-free. Light axes on each level allow views through the entire building.

With an elevator and 2 garage spaces, a low-energy house has been created. With a few simple steps, 6 individual apartments could be created or - by moving just one door - a 200 sqm family apartment on the 3 upper floors.

The tiny garden is raised by means of a green wall. Fragments of a sandstone cellar, a ruined wall used by the neighbor and a narrow fountain create a small Mediterranean oasis.

Near Frankfurt's old town, the Gothic concrete house in the future "Sachsenhäuser Puppenstube" shows that contemporary materials allow for forms that are compatible with the medieval repertoire of shapes.

Client: private, gross floor area 450 m², planning and execution (LPH 1-9)