01/06/2026
Congratulations to our students Finn-Matti Hirtz, Zeno Blaas, and Jan Ludwig! Their project „Dunkle Schale, Heller Kern“ has been selected as one of three winning entries of the 6th proHolz Student Trophy 2026 .at .
The design adds a three-story timber extension to an existing office and medical building at Candidplatz in Munich, demonstrating the potential of urban densification through timber construction. New residential spaces are organized around naturally lit and ventilated atria, while public ground-floor uses and landscaped outdoor areas strengthen the connection to the neighborhood.
The jury praised the project’s clear conceptual approach, spatial quality, and sensitive integration with the existing building. It also highlighted the well-considered fire safety strategy and the efficient organization of compact living units.
Developed as part of the master’s project „Candidplatz – Timber on Top“, it was supervised by the Chair of Architecture and Timber Construction and the Chair of Timber Structures and Building Construction at the TUM School of Engineering and Design .
This year’s proHolz Student Trophy focused on Timber on Top – Vertical Extensions in Urban Contexts at sites in Vienna, Munich, and Ljubljana. A total of 119 teams from eight countries participated. The award ceremony took place on 21 May 2026 at TU Wien.
More on: https://go.tum.de/219416
Image 1: proHolz Austria
All other images: Finn-Matti Hirtz, Zeno Blaas, and Jan Ludwig
proHolzAustria