German Natural Stone Award 2026
Category A with Special Recognition
At Neumarkt in Solingen, a new neighborhood combining residential, cultural, and service functions was completed with the Stadt-Sparkasse. The facade material unifies the entire new building: the stone facade, made of Trosselfels, shimmers in a warm, light beige tone. The uniformly finished natural stone has a subtle, slightly textured surface. A homogeneous facade structure extends across the entire height of the building, with openings accentuating the specialized uses. Variety is created by the varying orientations of piers, reveals, and facade depths.
The choice of materials provides a light-colored contrast to the slate and red clinker typical of the area, combining a bold approach to large-scale design with enduring warmth. Varying building heights respond to the surrounding neighborhood, while three inner courtyards provide orientation and a pleasant environment for people to gather. On the ground floor, the Sparkassen Forum and Max-Leven-Zentrum offer cultural programs; above them are modern offices for 350 employees, complemented by 26 apartments.
Stones: Trosselfels,Limestone, beige, honed C60Forest Stone Yellow,
Granite, yellow, water jet
