Occupational Home for Boys
Occupational Home for Boys – Practical Formation in Red Brick
In 1922, two occupational homes were built in the upper part of the area – known as Z2 and Z4. They provided space for 60 boys who did not have the abilities to follow the school’s theoretical teaching, but who were still to receive some form of training and structure in their daily lives.
The boys were trained in practical skills: woodworking, sewing, cooking, laundry, and other manual disciplines. The aim was not to prepare them for confirmation or further education, but to instil work routines, discipline, and a role within the institution’s wider community. It was considered essential that the children did not become passive – as occupation was seen as a way to reduce restlessness, instinct-driven behaviour, and to promote a sense of responsibility.
The two buildings were constructed in the same style as the rest of the complex: red brick, green roofs, and simple, functional layouts. They contained dormitories, common rooms, and workshop facilities, and formed an important part of the small society that Christian Keller had established.
Today, the buildings no longer serve their original purpose. Access to the area remains, and the architectural expression has been preserved, allowing their historical and architectural significance to stand out clearly for visitors exploring the site.