SOMAA Receives Prestigious Hugo Häring Award 2026

Further information

Stuttgart, 9 November 2026 – Stuttgart-based SOMAA Architecture & Interior Design has received the Hugo Häring Distinction 2026 from the Association of German Architects (BDA). The distinction is among the most prestigious architectural honours in Baden-Württemberg, recognising buildings that demonstrate outstanding design quality, a responsible approach to resources and a distinctive contribution to architectural culture.

Of the 94 projects submitted in the Stuttgart–Middle Neckar region, an independent jury selected just 16 for recognition. The awards were presented on 2 November 2026 as part of Stuttgart's Architecture November programme.

Building on What Exists Rather Than Demolishing

With its project House in Process in Ludwigsburg, SOMAA demonstrates how an existing single-family home from the 1960s can be fundamentally transformed over an extended period without abandoning its original structure.

Over the course of twelve years, a gradual transformation emerged in close collaboration with the residents, bringing together architecture, interior design and energy-efficient refurbishment. Rather than replacing the building entirely, existing qualities were preserved, spatial arrangements reconfigured and additional living space created within the original building volume.

A façade of charred timber, gold-anodised window reveals and generous interiors lined with silver fir now define the building's architectural character. Its energy-efficient refurbishment, incorporating a heat pump, photovoltaic systems and a high-performance building envelope, has brought the house up to the German KfW Efficiency House 55 EE standard.

The project exemplifies an architectural approach in which sustainability is not simply a matter of technical equipment or environmentally responsible materials, but above all a conscious and thoughtful engagement with what already exists.

Recognition of a Consistent Architectural Philosophy

For SOMAA, the distinction confirms the practice's approach to architecture and interior design as interconnected disciplines rather than separate design tasks.

At a time when resource consumption, land use and the preservation of existing buildings are increasingly central to architectural discourse, the project demonstrates the considerable design and functional potential of working with existing structures.

One of Baden-Württemberg's Most Established Architectural Awards

The Hugo Häring Award has been presented by BDA Baden-Württemberg every three years since 1969. Its two-stage selection process recognises the joint achievements of architects and their clients. Projects receiving a Hugo Häring Distinction in 2026 also qualify for consideration for the Hugo Häring State Award in 2027.

This marks SOMAA's second Hugo Häring Distinction. In 2023, the practice received the same recognition for House by the Park, an inclusive residential project in Tübingen developed in collaboration with Yonder.

About SOMAA

SOMAA Architecture & Interior Design is a Stuttgart-based practice led by architect Hadi A. Tandawardaja, Dipl.-Ing. Its work encompasses architecture, interior design and the transformation of existing buildings. The practice focuses on distinctive spatial concepts, a sensitive approach to materials and the integration of architectural quality with the needs of the people who inhabit its spaces.

Press Contact

https://somaa.de/press/haus-im-prozess/en/

Further Information

House in Process project:
https://somaa.de/projekt/348/haus-im-prozess

Hugo Häring Award:
https://www.hugo-häring-preis.de

Press Images: Project photography by Zooey Braun, available upon request and subject to image rights.