HdM – Haus der Moderne Baudenkmal

“A house that breathes modernity.” That’s how architect Thomas Wechs envisioned his own home and office, the HdM – Haus der Moderne, back in 1929. He saw it as a testament to the “Neues Bauen” movement, a beacon of contemporary urban architecture. Right here on Burgkmaierstraße 14, the HdM – Haus der Moderne stands as a testament to his vision. The HdM – Haus der Moderne emerged from Wechs’s desire to create a space that reflected the spirit of its time. The building’s design echoes the Bauhaus principles, emphasizing functionality and clean lines. Its cubic form and unadorned facade, punctuated by simple windows, stand in stark contrast to the ornate buildings of the turn of the century that surround it. Yet, the HdM – Haus der Moderne somehow blends seamlessly into the streetscape, a modern solitaire among historical gems. Wechs, a local Augsburg architect, had a remarkable career. He started with a carpentry apprenticeship under his father before honing his architectural skills at the building school in Augsburg and later at the Technical University of Munich. He worked at the Augsburg Oberpostdirektion, contributing to several buildings of the Bayerische Postbauschule. He made history in Augsburg with the Schuberthof and Lessinghof housing complexes, the first modern apartment blocks in Bavaria. The HdM – Haus der Moderne housed eight rooms for living and office space. It also included a separate two-room apartment with a kitchenette. Today, the HdM – Haus der Moderne continues to evolve. Once Wechs’s personal sanctuary and workspace, it’s now a listed building. Plans are in motion to transform it into an exhibition space for art, architecture, and design, while also offering studio and office spaces. The HdM – Haus der Moderne is more than just a building; it’s a living embodiment of Wechs’s architectural ideals. It stands as a reminder of a time when Augsburg embraced the future of design.