Winner of the 2023 façade competition
The city of Hof successfully held its façade competition "Hof bekennt Farbe", organized by the Department of Culture, again in 2023. For the 51st time, awards were presented for outstanding façade renovations that were implemented in the past year. A total of 40 projects were submitted and one additional building was included in the judging by the jury.
This year's award ceremony took place at the Hof Theater, where the "DenkMal Hochfranken" exhibition presented outstanding renovations in the region, providing the perfect thematic setting.
The award-winning projects illustrate that high-quality façade renovations can contribute significantly to the beautification of the cityscape. Old buildings can be turned back into jewels of the city through expert craftsmanship and the application of aesthetic rules. Through the competition, the city of Hof wants to motivate homeowners to renovate their buildings not only functionally, but also aesthetically.
"A house never stands alone. It is part of the street, the neighborhood and ultimately the city as a whole. Good examples and expert advice help to make the city more beautiful and more liveable," emphasized Mayor Eva Döhla at the award ceremony.
The jury consisted of:
- Klaus Greim, architect, GHSW Architekten, Hof
- Davor Tepez, architect, former head of urban planning
- Martina Tögel, Beautification Association Botanical Garden, Theresienstein and Hof e.V.
- Peter Nürmberger, Head of the Department of Culture of the City of Hof
The 2023 winners
Recognition prizes (without endowment)
Schollenteichstrasse 22 + 24
Owner: Eisenbahner-Wohnungsgenossenschaft Hof
Building cooperatives often shape a city in a special way because they characterize entire streets or districts with their building stock. This also applies to the residential area that the old people of Hof call "Kolonie". In the past, it was really only railroad officials and workers who lived here, along with an infrastructure ranging from butchers, bakers and haberdashers to pubs and soccer pitches. The railroad workers' housing cooperative has been renovating the area over the years and has adapted to modern requirements, creating a cohesive look. The large structures of the houses place high demands on this. Large façade areas are structured by horizontal and vertical color surfaces.
Marienstraße 36
Owner: City of Hof
The façade of the old gymnasium of the Altstädter School is a successful example of how existing decorative elements can be discreetly emphasized.
Recognition prizes (150 € prize money each)
Rupprechtstrasse 11
Gray, red and white. In this case, this is enough to draw attention to the building and add a splash of color to the surroundings. The old shutters were elaborately refurbished and painted bright red. The light-colored window surrounds on a grey background, on the other hand, are more subtle and correspond with the white corners of the house, which cleverly integrate the old Eternit cladding in one place.
Wölbattendorfer Weg 49
Painter: Stefan MartinThis renovation is not yet complete, only the actual façade, i.e. the side of the house facing the street, is finished. The house has the typical character of the time it was built, with stone jambs for the door and windows and a stained glass window. The sgraffito of a three-master makes a reference to seafaring.
3rd prize (300 € prize money)
Oelsnitzer Street 87
Painter: Peter Reiss
The basic color and the accentuations on the windows and ledges are bright and friendly. The visible, richly decorated wooden construction of the roof truss is harmoniously contrasted in a strong red color and is reminiscent of the Theresienstein house - a beautiful sight for Hofer*innen from the outset. And for those coming to Hof, a charming welcome is offered just after the city limits.
2nd prize (400 € prize money)
Kornhausacker 52
Painter: Brecheis
Old detached houses with new additions are a genre of their own in residential magazines, usually with spectacular examples. The old stock with the shutters has remained. The directly connected low-rise building stands out clearly but harmoniously in terms of color. The visual connection is achieved through strictly geometric steel elements in the railings and canopy construction. The two entrance doors from a single cast emphasize this. Without a garden fence, which was certainly present in the past, the planting in the front garden will be shown to its best advantage in future. An example that does not show off, but cleverly enriches the entire residential street.
1st prize (500 € prize money)
Graben 29 ½
Painter: Herbert Kreutzer GmbH
Even during the Bavarian State Garden Show in 1994, it was hoped that an improved quality of living in the Saale area would enhance the area as a whole. A lot has already happened here and this building is currently a worthy example of the commitment of homeowners. With its finely coordinated window frames, the building has an elegantly restrained appearance. Sandstone window sills and, above all, the beautiful door do the rest. The additional living space created in the attic blends in discreetly with the dormer windows. And the side facing the Saale is also an asset to the cityscape with its projecting balconies.
Special prize from the Botanischer Garten, Theresienstein und Hof e.V. beautification association (€500 prize money)
Leopoldstrasse 11
Painter: Heinrich Schmid GmbH & Co KG
The special prize goes to a building that was not even registered, but was selected by the jury. Opposite a local shopping center, the building has a defining effect and sets a good example for the entire row of houses. A bold blue color at first glance is accentuated by fine window and door frames. This elegance is echoed in the window bars. The curved gable thus becomes an element that creates an effect that would not have been achieved with coarser means.
Funding programs and advice
For owners, particularly in the "Vibrant centers and social cohesion" development area, there is the possibility of partial reimbursement of the costs of façade refurbishment. The modalities of the funding programs and the application for funding must be discussed with the urban planning department or the redevelopment agency prior to the refurbishment.
The city of Hof itself also offers municipal funding programs such as "Hof-Fassade", which can be helpful.