Craftsmanship: Monument preservation prize in Thuringia and Brandenburg

The Federal Prize for Craftsmanship in Historic Preservation is awarded annually in two German states. This year, it's Thuringia and Brandenburg. In 2026, it will be North Rhine-Westphalia and Bremen. The winners from Thuringia have already been selected.

With the "Federal Prize for Craftsmanship in Monument Preservation" At the end of October, six owners of listed buildings and 36 craftsmen from various trades in Thuringia were honored. The keynote address at the award ceremony in the Collegium Mais in Erfurt was given by Prime Minister Mario Voigt. The award ceremony took place together with the President of the Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH), Jörg Dittrich, and Dr. Steffen Skudelny, Board Member of German Foundation for Monument Protection.

The prize, endowed jointly by the foundation and the central association, will annually in two federal states awarded to private owners who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation of their monument in cooperation with local craftsmen.

The craft businesses involved in the restoration will be awarded certificates of honor, while the prize for the private owners of the monuments is endowed with 30.000 euros per federal state.

In 2025, the prize was awarded in the German states of Thuringia and Brandenburg; Bremen and North Rhine-Westphalia are scheduled to host it in 2026. The award ceremony in Brandenburg took place on November 27th.

➡️More about the award winners and the award ceremony in Brandenburg read here.

Group photo with award winners and craftspeople of the 2025 Federal Prize for Craftsmanship in Monument Preservation, Thuringia. Photo: © Michael Reichel Photography

Minister-President Mario Voigt (front row, fourth from left) declared: "Thuringia is a state that not only preserves history but also writes it forward with skilled craftsmanship. Our monuments shape our identity, and our craftsmanship gives it a future. Where both come together, a sense of home is created – and that is precisely what makes our Green Heart of Germany so special. Today's Federal Prize not only recognizes outstanding craftsmanship – it honors an attitude and the connection between skill, responsibility, and love of home. Today also makes one thing clear: without craftsmanship, there is no historic preservation."

These are the award winners and "their" craftsmen from Thuringia: 

Awarded a first prize (10.000 euros):

Thangelstedt Manor
Dorfstraße 1
99444 Blankenhain

Professor Dr. Timo Mappes appreciates the beauty and elegance of the manor house in Thangelstedt The discovery of the building's original character beneath numerous layers of alterations and modifications was a stroke of luck. Today, the 1682 structure can once again be experienced in its artistic and architectural splendor. For six years, the client searched for—and found—experienced craftspeople specializing in historic preservation who shared his high standards. Through constructive collaboration between the various trades, close consultation with the relevant authorities, and with the utmost care taken to preserve the original fabric, an almost lost architectural treasure with its intricate details has been resurrected. This exemplary restoration of a historic monument was achieved, extending even to the reconstruction of the surrounding garden's structure. Professor Timo Mappes is awarded first prize for this work.

Ownership:
Professor Dr.-Ing. Timo Mappes
Dorfstraße 1
99444 Blankenhain OT Thangelstedt

HANDYMAN:

Carpentry:
Window construction & art glasswork Adolf Speck
Owner Peter Speck
Am Merzenberg 20
08393 Meerane

Universal-Holzbau GmbH
Stotternheimer Straße 8/9
99086 Erfurt

Plastering trade:
Plasterer Jörg Koch
Weimarische Straße 9
99510 Apolda

Painting and varnishing trade:
Kruse Restorations GmbH
Ralf Kruse
Friedhofsweg 1
37351 Kreuzebra

Stove and air heating construction trade:
Stephan Loos tiled stoves and fireplaces
Siebengärten 13
98593 Floh-Seligenthal

Plumbing and heating trade:
Bieräugel & Co. GmbH
Theo-Neubauer-Straße 11
07743 Jena

Dry stone wall construction:
Tino Appeldorn
Halsbrücker Straße 12
09599 Freiberg

Precision mechanics and metalworking:
Saxon lock and fitting forge
Roberto Weigel
Meißner Straße 314
01445 Radebeul

Awarded a second prize (endowment of 7.500 euros):

Kleinmecka Cultural Center
Großmecka 10
04603 Großmecka

The former four-sided farmstead in Kleinmecka In the Altenburg region, its revival is thanks to the vision of one of the many heritage enthusiasts without whom historic preservation would often be impossible. Robert Herrmann from Leipzig discovered the ensemble of a four-sided farmstead dating from around 1800, parts of which had already fallen into disrepair due to neglect, vacancy, and fire, and dreamed of creating a cultural center. His enthusiasm not only inspired like-minded individuals, who have since formed a support association, but he also convinced authorities and funding bodies, attracting a team of skilled craftspeople who embraced the challenge. The partial renovation of the former cowshed, submitted for the competition, is the work of a small but exceptionally talented team of craftspeople. The restoration of the cowshed as an impressive space with its cross-ribbed vaults and porphyry columns is a milestone for the restoration and future use of the four-sided farmstead, for which the jury awarded it second prize.

Ownership:
Robert Herrmann
Wünschendorfer Weg 4
08393 Schönberg

Architect:
Elisabeth Scholz, Architect
Crotenlaider Weg 19
08393 Meerane

HANDYMAN:

Stonemasonry and stone carving:
Florian Mehlig
Stonemason & Stone Sculptor
Lauenhainer Straße 33
08393 Dennheritz

Bricklaying and concrete construction:
Thomas Geist 
Construction & Monument Preservation
Oberlungwitzer Straße 5
09337 Hohenstein-Ernstthal

Awarded a second prize (endowment of 7.500 euros):

Civic buildings
Holzstraße 11 + 12
99974 Mühlhausen

The Diakonie Doppelpunkt association proves that creating high-quality inner-city living space does not necessarily have to involve new construction, but is possible as a clever and sustainable further development of existing, listed buildings. Mühlhausen with the townhouses at Holzstraße 11 and 12. With its consistent and extensive preservation of historical substance, the jury considers this high-quality, expertly executed restoration a very successful example and a model for others. The jury therefore awards the Diakonie Doppelpunkt association a second prize. It hopes that the association will be able to implement this exemplary approach just as successfully in the already planned restoration of the neighboring property.

Ownership:
Diakonie Doppelpunkt e. V.
Treffurter Weg 14a
99974 Mühlhausen

Planning:
the construction hut
Formann, Nobis, Danz – partners
Andreas Formann
Felchtaer Straße 28
99974 Mühlhausen

 

HANDYMAN:

Carpentry:
Huke & Sons
Carpentry & Staircase Construction
Ralf and Gerd Huke GbR
Bebraer Weg 1
99706 Sondershausen

Roofing trade:
Strickrodt & Sons GmbH
Hauptstraße 18
99713 Rockstedt

Bricklaying and concrete construction:
Helbe Bau GmbH
Bahnhofstrasse 28
99713 Helbedündorf, OT Holzthaleben

Plastering and painting trades:
Sven Bodewald GmbH Restoration
Obermühlenweg 7
99974 Mühlhausen

Carpentry:
Beck Carpentry
Andrea Beck
Weiterstädter Straße 8
99994 Nottertal-Heilinger Höhen OT Schlotheim

Flooring trade:
Thomas Salewski
Kindleber Street 132
99867 Gotha

Plumbing and heating trade:
Haustechnik Reichenbach GmbH & Co. KG
Windbergweg 6
99974 Mühlhausen

Electrical engineering trade:
Christian Vogler Electrical Engineering
Bahnhofstrasse 8
99996 Unstruttal

 

Awarded a third prize (worth 5.000 euros):

Residential building of the Altenburg four-sided farmstead
"Kunsthof Niederarnsdorf"
Heinrich-Heine-Strasse 7
04603 Niederarnsdorf

Professor Louise Walleneit has succeeded in creating a place of cultural impulses and artistic inspiration, as well as an enrichment for the entire village community, with a four-sided farmstead in the Altenburger Land that has been converted into a cultural center. Niederarnsdorf to accomplish this. She has completed the first quarter of her challenging task in close consultation with the heritage authorities and thanks to the astute planning of an architect experienced in historic preservation. With the involvement of qualified and meticulous craftspeople, an exemplary restoration has been achieved, which the jury has awarded a third prize. They wish the client continued success with the remaining three quarters of her four-sided farmstead.

Owner:
Professor Louise Walleneit
Heinrich-Heine-Strasse 7
04603 Niederarnsdorf

HANDYMAN:

Carpentry:
Schlegel & Franke Restoration and Carpentry GmbH
Breitenbacher Weg 3
08396 Oberwiera, OT Neukirchen

Glazier's craft:
Fensterbau D. Schulze-Gräfe GmbH & Co. KG
Hauptstraße 16
08393 Schönberg

Roofing trade:
Marcel Lory Roofing Company
Thiergarten 4a
04603 Nobitz

Carpentry:
Detlev Noack
Restorer in the carpentry trade
Workshop for furniture restoration and wooden objects
Spinnereistraße 7
04179 Leipzig

Maik Seidler
Bahnhofstrasse 23
04571 Rötha

 

PROMOTIONAL PRIZE

Wolfgang and Ursula Engelbarts Prize for outstanding restoration work (for listed buildings, prize money of 500 euros)

Former blacksmith
Kirchgasse 7
04617 Kriebitzsch

The Wolfgang and Ursula Engelbarts Prize recognizes exemplary restoration projects that respect historical monuments. It allows the jury to honor a specific project: the rescue and restoration of the plank-lined room in the former blacksmith's shop in [location missing]. KriebitzschFor Elisabeth Howey and her family, this is just one of the first steps in the courageous restoration of the 1713 building. This required the gradual re-foundation of the sagging gable wall and, only then, the stabilization of the timber framing and ceiling. Replacing two layers of continuous planks in the main room of this warped structure, which reflects the building's long history, was a challenging task. The jury hopes that this award will reinforce the proven commitment of the owners, who value sustainability and the preservation of the building's structure. Such private dedication deserves further support.

Ownership:
Elisabeth Howey
Kay Zimmermann
Kirchgasse 7
04617 Kriebitzsch

Architect:
Scherf Engineering Office. Bolze. Ludwig
Lutz Scherf
Unity Street 14
07613 Silbitz

Handyman:
 

Carpentry:
Benjamin Dittrich Carpentry
Obere Heerstraße 7
04626 Selka

Bricklaying and concrete construction:
Dirk Martin Construction Company
Mittelstrasse 3
04523 Pegau, OT Werben

SPECIAL PRICE:

Gut Bendeleben
Large sheepfold
Schloßstraße 8
99707 Kyffhäuserland, OT Bendeleben

Ownership:
Felix Count von Arnim
Schloßstraße 8
99707 Kyffhäuserland, OT Bendeleben

Architect:
Angermann Architectural Office
Dr. Bärbel Angermann
Mühlhäuser Straße 33/33a
99713 Ebeleben

HANDYMAN:

Carpentry:
Huke & Sons
Carpentry & Staircase Construction
Ralf and Gerd Huke GbR
Bebraer Weg 1
99706 Sondershausen

Roofing trade:
Strickrodt & Sons GmbH
Hauptstraße 18
99713 Rockstedt

CRAFT PRICE:

New Hummelshain Castle
At the New Castle 1
07768 Hummelshain

Client:
Friends of the New Castle
Hummelshain eV
In der Welke 20
07768 Hummelshain

Planning:
D&P Planungsgesellschaft mbH
Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Seelig
Kurz-Eisner-Straße 38
04275 Leipzig

HANDYMAN:

Roofing trade:
M. Mieth Roofing and Construction GmbH
At the impeller 6
04129 Leipzig

Pfeiffer Construction Company GmbH
Hauptstraße 27
99439 Berlstedt

Metalworking:
blacksmithing workshop
Owner: Ralf Gerhardt
At lane 3
07806 Neustadt an der Orla, OT Knau

CRAFT PRICE:

residential building
Kernbergstrasse 55
07749 Jena

Ownership:
Solveig and Marc Grahl
Kernbergstrasse 55
07749 Jena

Female architects:
Katja Stephan
Mühlgäßchen 6
07743 Jena

Kerstin Mühlfriedel
Forest Road 1
07745 Jena

HANDYMAN:

Metalworking:
JMB-Jenaer Metallbau
Holger Penndorf
Stadtrodaer Straße 109
07747 Jena

Carpentry:
Torsten Schmidt Carpentry
Augenseestraße 6
07381 Pößneck

CRAFT PRICE:

Schötensack family home
Fleckenstraße 51
37345 Am Ohmberg, OT Großbodungen

Ownership:
Carl Fabian Höhl
Fleckenstraße 51
37345 Am Ohmberg, OT Großbodungen

Architect:
the construction company formann, nobis, danz – partner
Felchtaer Str. 28
99974 Mühlhausen

HANDYMAN:

Carpentry:
Karl Vatteroth Carpentry
East Street 36
37339 Breitenworbis

Stove and air heating construction trade:
Ulrich Braun - Tile Stoves & Fireplace Construction
Hauptstraße 6
99955 Herbsleben

CRAFT PRICE:

Old Inn in Großbrüchter
Geschwister-Scholl-Strasse 1
99713 Helbedündorf, district of Großbrüchter

Ownership:
Sylvio and Michael Winter
Geschwister-Scholl-Strasse 1
99713 Helbedündorf, district of Großbrüchter

Planning:
Barthel Planning Office
Long street 1
99706 Sondershausen

HANDYMAN:

Painting and varnishing trade:
Master painter Jens Rodler
Wenigenehricher Hauptstraße 36
99718 Greußen, OT Wenigenehrich

Carpentry:
Torsten Schmidt Carpentry
Augenseestraße 6
07381 Pößneck

 

CRAFT PRICE:

Villa Kaestner
Cyriakstraße 22
99096 Erfurt

Ownership:
Daniel Friedrich
Cyriakstraße 22
99096 Erfurt

Architect:
architecture + design mestenhauser
Dipl.-Ing. Ivo Mestenhauser
In der Linde 3
99094 Erfurt

HANDYMAN:

Stonemasonry and stone carving as well as masonry and concrete construction:
NÜTHEN Restorations GmbH + Co. KG
Anton-Lucius-Straße 14
99085 Erfurt

The winners from Brandenburg will follow. 

Source: German Foundation for Monument Protection

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