Hauptplatz 18
History
From the late 17th century until 1776, the building was owned by a family of black potters.
Architectural History
The structure retains a core dating back to the 16th century.
The facade acquired its present appearance through a series of alterations carried out in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The present design of the ground floor dates from 1984, when the townhouse underwent remodelling.
The decorative treatment of the upper-storey facades, originally dating from the first half of the 19th century and removed in 1956/57, was reinstated in 1984/85.
Architectural Description | Exterior
Facade Orientation
The main facade faces south and overlooks the main square.
Three Storeys
The building is three storeys high. The ground floor features shopfronts, while the upper storeys contain residential units.
Horizontal Articulation
The facade is horizontally articulated by three bands. A roof cornice defines the upper edge of the facade. A sill course separates the first floor and second floor windows. A profiled string course separates the ground floor from the upper floors. A broken plinth course defines the lower edge of the facade.
Vertical Articulation
The facade is vertically articulated by four evenly spaced window bays.
Second Floor
The four evenly spaced windows feature plain plaster surrounds. The window sills merge seamlessly with the sill course and define the lower edge of the window openings.
First Floor
The first floor features four evenly spaced windows framed by plain plaster surrounds. Two segmental-arched window pediments are centrally positioned, while two triangular window pediments are placed laterally. Parapet panels with rhombus-shaped recesses are positioned below the window sills.
Ground Floor
The ground floor features shopfronts. Imitated rustication and a broken plinth course lend the facade a sense of visual solidity.
Roof
A gabled roof crowns the building, complemented by dormer structures and a firewall gable.
Architectural Description | Interior
In 1984, the interior was subjected to an extensive remodelling and redesign.
Nevertheless, the room heights and spatial layout likely derive from the 19th century.
In the courtyard-facing sections of the ground floor and first floor, elements of earlier fabric from the 16th century have been preserved.
