Prutting awards the first building culture prize for new housing for people over 60!

Prutting awards the first building culture prize for new housing for people over 60!

The first award ceremony for the Baukultur Prize took place in the municipality of Prutting on December 5, 2025. This new and valuable unique piece not only celebrates the art of architecture, but also promotes sensitivity for attractive design throughout the community. The newly launched competition will take place every two years and is intended to provide a showcase for old and new buildings with a particular focus on architectural design quality and its influence on the community's image. It started with the impressive Ü-60-Wohnen project, which was brought to life by Stefan Mayer and Theresa Mayer-Baumann.

“With this award we would like to highlight positive examples of construction,” explained Mayor Johannes Thusbaß at the award ceremony. The Ü-60-Wohnen project is seen as a prime example of the integration of older citizens into village life and is a response to demographic change, which is leading to an increasing proportion of older people in many countries, including Germany. Age-appropriate architecture plays a central role here. The jury, consisting of local council members, viewed a total of seven proposals in advance and finally selected over-60 housing as a worthy prize winner.

Living in the town center: a sign of integration

Living for over 60s has the advantage that it not only gives older people a new home, but also promotes social participation and community. Space for meetings and access to common areas are particularly important for older citizens. As shown in international projects such as “Amaryllis” in Bonn, well thought-out, barrier-free construction makes a decisive contribution to quality of life. District master builder Rupert Seeholzer emphasized the harmonious integration of the building into the existing village structure and explained that the new facility will have a lasting impact on the image of the community.

The prize is intended not only to draw attention to local highlights, but also to invite all Pruttingen residents to take part. Proposals for future projects can be submitted informally to the municipal administration until February 14, 2025, with no limits on the number. The municipal administration will check the consent of the owners before the tender can be made. An interesting opportunity for every citizen to actively participate in the design process of their homeland!

A future model for building culture

The Prutting community's building culture prize is not just a one-off event, but a valuable initiative to create awareness of building culture. The development of the community is characterized by constant changes, which are influenced by both legal requirements and social influences. More and more communities are recognizing the importance of architecture and building culture for identity and cohesion.

Architects and urban planners are called upon to develop new concepts that take the well-being of older people into account. Safety, functionality and a design sensitivity to the needs of all age groups are important. Accessibility, good signage and ergonomic furniture should be part of every plan to ensure the independence and dignity of older people.

“Buildings have shaped the appearance of the community for years and centuries,” continues Thusbaß. The award winners Mayer and Mayer-Baumann have achieved exactly that with their residential project in the center of the village. The positive response to this initiative gives hope for positive developments in the area of ​​building culture.

For further information about the Baukultur Prize, please contact Ms. Desirée Cia from the municipality of Prutting on 08036/3073-153 or by email at desiree.cia@prutting.de.