Center for Mental Health, Altscherbitz Hospital

  • Location: Schkeuditz
  • Client: Free State of Saxony
  • Realisation: 2014 - 2023

With the quote from Ludwig van Beethoven, „Look into the beautiful nature and calm your mind“, the Medical Director of the hospital concluded her speech at the inauguration of the new Social Psychiatric Psychotherapeutic Treatment Center, freely translated as the Center for Mental Health.

Unfortunately, the cure for mental illnesses is not as simple as Beethoven suggests. However, the…
Unfortunately, the cure for mental illnesses is not as simple as Beethoven suggests. However, the quote accurately describes the architectural concept of the ensemble, supporting the recovery of the patients through a beautiful green environment.
In 1876, the Provincial Lunatic Asylum was established and constructed in the pavilion style in…
In 1876, the Provincial Lunatic Asylum was established and constructed in the pavilion style in the vicinity of the Altscherbitz manor near Leipzig. To this day, the area continues to be used as a psychiatric hospital.
The competition called for a connection between all existing and new buildings. That’s why we…
The competition called for a connection between all existing and new buildings. That’s why we placed a single-story, 175-meter long block between the existing houses.  
The staggered heights of the block follow the topography of the site.
The staggered heights of the block follow the topography of the site.
The corridors of the new building connect to the old buildings, and the rooms allow…
The corridors of the new building connect to the old buildings, and the rooms allow views of the beautiful natural surroundings.  
The design of the new building responds to the projections of the old buildings. The…
The design of the new building responds to the projections of the old buildings. The facades of both the old and new structures are made of bricks, with distinct colors and details that set the houses apart from each other.  
The materiality of the brick facades continues in the retaining walls and open spaces.
The materiality of the brick facades continues in the retaining walls and open spaces.
The projecting parts of the buildings allow for bay windows, enriching the views from the…
The projecting parts of the buildings allow for bay windows, enriching the views from the patient rooms.
The historical structure of the old buildings made of bricks and wood was preserved and…
The historical structure of the old buildings made of bricks and wood was preserved and carefully adapted to the new purpose.
The old buildings can be used extensively in the long term because they have been…
The old buildings can be used extensively in the long term because they have been optimally connected to the new building, creating a well-functioning ensemble.