B KRAUS Z

The Berlin-based architecture studio has experience in a wide range of projects - from residential construction to cultural and commercial uses to space-creating extensions. In view of current developments in the construction industry and the increasing relevance of sustainable strategies, the focus is increasingly on the sensitive handling of existing buildings - especially through conversions and extensions.

The continuous examination of the special features of different spatial contexts and scales leads to customized projects, the quality of which is reflected in a variety of awards. Key influences include the Netherlands, where experimental and innovative design processes play a central role. The openness to new typological concepts - particularly in the areas of work and living - sharpens the focus on spatial organization, flexibility of use and urban integration.

The current discourse on resource-oriented planning and building has a decisive influence on the design processes and deepens the understanding of architecture as a dynamic, context-related and process-oriented field. The projects reflect the handling of conceptual, constructive and transformative issues - characterized by the heterogeneous requirements of the respective clients.

CV
Bettina Kraus is responsible for the Berlin architecture studio B KRAUS Z and the Chair of Design at the ABK Stuttgart - an interaction that enriches both fields in terms of content and methodology.

After studying architecture at the ETH Zurich, the HdK Berlin and the University of Stuttgart, she was a partner at Wiel Arets Architects in Amsterdam from 2000 to 2012. During this time she was instrumental in the development of many award-winning projects. A central interest of her work lies in solving complex programmes through typological modifications.

In 2013, Thomas Baecker Bettina Kraus Architects formed a multi-year partnership to realise individual projects in private and artistic contexts. With the founding of the architectural partnership Kraus Fischnaller in 2020, the portfolio was expanded to include adaptable concepts for living, working and leisure.

In 2025, she established studio B KRAUS Z — a space for sharing ideas and developing architectural projects together with Marc Timo Berg and Maria Zacher, as well as for engaging in project-based partnerships. The focus is on new buildings, conversions and extensions in which the given context is understood as an active resource. Differentiated architectural solutions are developed in an open process based on the cultural identity of the site and the building. In addition to his professional expertise, Marc Timo Berg brings his photographic eye to the documentation of building processes and objects.

Parallel to her practice, Bettina Kraus was a research assistant at the UdK Berlin from 2004 to 2010 and a lecturer at the Berlin Studio of Northeastern University Boston until 2013. Between 2014 and 2017 she published the book Werkstücke zur Entwurfsmethodik as part of her deputy professorship for design and construction in existing buildings at the BTU Cottbus. This was followed by a visiting professorship at the TU Berlin for Building Construction and Architecture of Transformation in 2017, before taking up the Chair of Design at the ABK Stuttgart in 2020.

AWARDS
2024 Heinze Architektur Award, Shortlist, B KRAUS Z
Lindenstraße 34.5, D - 10969 Berlin

2024 BDA Preis Berlin, Engere Auswahl, TBBK
Malplaquetstraße 19, D - 10969 Berlin

2023 Architekturpreis Berlin, Auszeichnung, B KRAUS Z
Lindenstraße 34.5, D - 10969 Berlin

2023 Architekturpreis Berlin, Preis, TBBK
Malplaquetstraße 19, D - 10969 Berlin

2020 Bauen im Bestand, Auszeichnung, TBBK
Spreestudios, Köpenicker Chaussee 2-4, D - 10317 Berlin

2020 AIT Award, Finalist, TBBK
Spreestudios, Köpenicker Chaussee 2-4, D - 10317 Berlin

2019 Deutscher Architekturpreis,
Engere Auswahl, TBBK
Spreestudios, Köpenicker Chaussee 2-4, D - 10317 Berlin

2019 Iconic Architecture Award Winner, TBBK
Spreestudios, Köpenicker Chaussee 2-4, D - 10317 Berlin

2018 Amsterdam Architektur Preis, WAA
IJhal Hauptbahnhof, Stationsplein 9, D - 1012 AB Amsterdam

2016 Iconic Architecture Award Winner, TBBK
Wohnung Peres, Ansbacher Straße, D - 10777 Berlin

2014 German Design Award, Nominierung, WAA
Medienhaus SV, Karlstraße 16, D - 88212 Ravensburg

2011 Geurt Brinkgreve Bokaal, Preis, WAA
De Nieuwe Liefde, Da Costakade 102, NL - 1053 WP Amsterdam

2010 Dutch Design Award, Nominierung, WAA
Hotel Zenden, Sint Bernardusstraat 5, NL - 6411 HK Maastricht

2010 Architekturpreis Amsterdam, Preis, WAA
Towers Osdorp, Jan van Zutphenstraat, NL - 1069 RS Amsterdam

2009 Good Design Award, Preis, WAA
Waschbecken Alessi I, l Bagno dOt

2009 The Great Indoors Award, Nominierung, WAA
Hotel Zenden, Sint Bernardusstraat 5 NL - 6411 HK Maastricht

2009 IF Product Design Award, Auszeichung, WAA
Duschkabine Alessi, Il Bagno dOt

2006 Niederländischer Schulbaupreis, Preis, WAA
LR + VN College, Maartvlinder 1-11, NL - 3544 DA Utrecht

2003 Mies van der Rohe Award, Nominierung, WAA
Hedge House, Kasteel Wijlreweg 1, NL - 6321 PP Wijlre