Alsace Summer School
of Architecture & Crafts
Westhoffen, Alsace, France
1st to 26th of July 2027
Application deadline ⎮ 26th of March 2027
Why Westhoffen ?
An enclave between the French Vosges mountains and the German Black Forest, Alsace sits on a border. Once a front line between the Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of France, a meeting point (and battleground) between Protestantism and Catholicism, between Germanic and Latin languages, between German Baroque and French Classicism, the face of Alsace has been carved by time, enriched by the mixing of cultures, and patiently shaped by human hands.
This summer, the Table Ronde de l'Architecture welcomes you to Westhoffen, an Alsatian village of 1,700 inhabitants nestled at the foot of the Vosges mountains. Having preserved part of its ancient ramparts, Westhoffen is a fine example of those wine-growing and agrarian villages whose urban fabric has retained its medieval sinuosity and the density that was characteristic of small fortified towns.
Its architecture is made of local pink sandstone and half-timbering, with terracotta tile roofs. The houses are modest, vernacular, carefully built by the inhabitants themselves, with the exception of a few notable buildings such as the two churches – Catholic and Protestant, as is customary in this region of Alsace – the synagogue, the town hall and a handful of bourgeois houses. The village of Westhoffen has sprung from the earth itself: it bears its colours and embraces its irregularities.
Westhoffen is certainly a paradise, but not a lost paradise: from this village, we will explore the surrounding area to discover the vernacular architecture of Alsace and the wealth of craftsmanship it contains.
A glimpse of the school in Alsace in 2024
Observe, measure & draw
" We were exposed to the details of design and construction of churches and houses, storefronts and cathedrals, city gates and civic squares. We were taught fundamentals of building arches and trusses, church support pillars and wall buttresses, timber framing, stone carving, and all other manners of local building that Alsacians had been doing for centuries.
And we drew. And drew. And drew. Nadia’s attention to detail and gentle but insistent encouragement to do good work, better work, and excellent work got everyone to give more than anyone thought possible."
Rafe Donahue, ASSAC 2024
Study the architecture of Alsace
Course Programme
Alsace Summer School of Architecture & Crafts
ARCHITECTURE
Visits
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The village of Westhoffen
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The farm of the TRA in Westhoffen
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The forest of Westhoffen - What is taken from the forest to build?
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The city of Strasbourg - visit of the Cathedral from the crypt to the roof
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Chaux Boehm - a lime factory: production and applications
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The village of Rosheim: Saints Peter and Paul Church & a natural paint workshop
Lectures
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Traditional construction in Alsace: from the foundations to the roof (3 parts)
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Introduction to Christian architecture
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Symbolic and artistic evolution of flora carved in stone
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The work and thought of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc
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Viollet-le-Duc’s drawings: reading traditional architecture in plan, section & elevation
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History of the City & urban design principles
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Traditional architecture under capitalist economy: Confrontation or Compromise?
Drawing
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Introduction to measured drawing techniques
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Façade & section: Understanding stone masonry & timber frame construction
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Public spaces: squares & streets
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Church section
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Geometry: the principal forms and arches
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Introduction to gothic geometry - Gothic rose of Strasbourg Cathedral
Project Design
Working alongside the teaching team, students will rethink public spaces and enhance the existing urban fabric of Westhoffen. Through an analysis of the village in plan, section and elevation, they will develop an architectural and urban guide based on principles of composition, continuity and harmony. This work will lead to collaborative design projects, exhibited at the end of the second week and presented to the public.
The art of ornamentation
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Ceramic workshop: ornaments & tiles
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Fabrication of natural paintings
Construction crafts
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Traditional building techniques: wattle & daub for walls and floors, lime slab, lime & earth renders, straw & earth insulation, etc.
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Stone carving & stereotomy
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Traditional carpentry
Each student must indicate ONE choice of craft in their application letter.
Throughout the week, you will be able to discover other craft workshops, all held at the farm that TRA is transforming into a permanent school of architecture and crafts.
The crafted elements created by the students will be incorporated into the school's architecture.
The teachers
Numerous guest teachers (architects, craftsmen, gardeners, and historians)
will also be present (the complete list will be available soon).
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Noé Morin
Writer, founder and research Fellow of La T.R.A.
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Nadia Naty Everard
Builder, founder of La T.R.A. and Chair of INTBAU Belgium
Mieke Bosse
Architect
Peter Drijver
Architect
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Pol Kerneis
Architectural assistant
Joaquina Alvernaz
Architectural assistant
Jacques Bruderer
Master stonecarver
Teacher in traditional building methods
Martin Lefort
Carpenter
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
DATES⎟Thursday 1st to Monday 26th of July 2027 (25 nights)
APPLICATION DEADLINE⎟26th of March 2027
COURSE & ACCOMMODATION LOCATION⎟Westhoffen, France
COURSE LANGUAGE ⎟English (All teachers also speak French)
COURSE TIMETABLE⎟9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday
Sunday⎟Free time or optional activities
Sunday, 18 July 2027 – Great Estival Celebration: Student project presentations and exhibition
FEES⎟3 600 EUR (shared bedroom) or 3 900 EUR (single bedroom)
The fees include:
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The courses: the lectures, drawing sessions, crafts workshops & heritage site visits,
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The drawing and craft material (you will get to keep your drawing material),
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The accommodation (bedroom with linen and towel, bathroom, equipped kitchen, dining and living room),
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A weekly meal pack with basic products (spices, oils, pasta, rice, cereals, milk, tomato sauce, soups, fruits, etc.),
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The lunch is served daily at 12.00 pm, except on Sundays,
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A daily afternoon snack & drink,
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The transport during the summer school.
Partial scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the TRA’s Education Committee, based on applicants’ motivation letters and supporting documents (e.g. proof of a previous university scholarship). Thank you to our donors and sponsors who make this possible.
University credits: Students may contact their university directly to have this course recognised for academic credit. Once the process is under way, our team will be happy to help with the documents required (programme, hours, certificate of attendance).
TRANSPORT TO WESTHOFFEN ⎟ bus & train
Westhoffen is accessible by regional bus, with connections from Strasbourg via Molsheim or Wasselonne. Train services are available to nearby towns, followed by a bus connection. Check routes and timetables on the Fluo Grand Est website
How to Apply?
Minimum age: 16 years old
IMPORTANT: Only complete applications will be considered.
Please send all required documents before 26 March 2027
by email to: contact@latablerondearchitecture.com
Email subject: Application ASSAC 2027 – Full Name
Required information
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Personal details: Full name, full postal address, phone number, and date of birth.
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Title and background: e.g. carpenter, architecture student, historian, architect, urbanist, or simply curious about architecture, with relevant details (school, company, or institution).
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Cover letter: In English or French, in PDF format (max. 1 page).
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Three hand drawings: Combined into a single PDF (e.g. measured drawings of a door, window, façade, or construction details). You may also include photographs of your own craftwork.
Frequently asked questions
When will I know if I have been selected?
Applications close on 26 March 2027. Once your application has been sent, please wait until 31 March 2027: all applicants will receive an answer by email on that date, including the scholarship decision for those who applied for one.
What do I need to send if I am selected?
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A scanned copy of:
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your health insurance card valid for 2027, showing that you are covered by a private insurer or by your social security in the event of illness or accident in France for the full duration of the course;
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your identity card or passport.
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Proof of payment of your fees.
What happens once I have sent my documents?
Once we have received the documents requested above, you will receive the detailed programme of your curriculum, all the practical information about your stay, a reading list, and essays and books in PDF format to read before your arrival.
How and when do I pay?
Fees are paid by bank transfer to La Table Ronde de l’Architecture. Wise is also accepted. Payment is due no later than 30 April 2027.
Can I pay in several instalments?
Yes. If needed, payment in several instalments can be arranged on request. Payments are then spread until June 2027, according to a schedule agreed with the TRA.
Can I get university credits for this course?
Students may contact their university directly to have this course recognised for academic credit. Once the process is under way, our team will be happy to help with the documents required (programme, hours, certificate of attendance).
Where will I stay?
The students will be accommodated in several lodgings throughout the village center. Each accommodation will host a maximum of four students and will be fully equipped with all necessary amenities, including a kitchen. Depending on the accommodation fee, students will stay in either single or shared bedrooms.
How do I get to Westhoffen, and how do I leave?
Participants travel to and from Westhoffen at their own expense, by public transport or car. Regional trains connect Strasbourg to Molsheim, with bus connections to Westhoffen. Please plan to arrive on 1 July between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. On the final day, Monday 26 July, departures begin at 9:00 a.m. Participants may leave their luggage at the school that day.
Can I arrive earlier or stay longer?
Extra nights are not possible. If you wish to arrive earlier or stay longer, you are welcome to book your own accommodation in Westhoffen.
Do I have to attend the whole summer school?
Yes. You must be present for the entire summer school, from arrival on 1 July to departure on 26 July 2027. Late arrivals and early departures are not possible.
Is the age limit flexible?
No. Participants must be at least 16 years old on the first day of the summer school.
What happens to my drawings?
By confirming your participation, you agree that all your drawings from the summer school (except your sketchbook) will become part of the archives of La Table Ronde de l’Architecture. You will receive high-definition scans of all your drawings by email in October 2027. By accepting, you also confirm that you are comfortable with your drawings being exhibited in -person and online, on the association’s website, INTBAU's website and the TRA & INTBAU social media.
What happens if I need to cancel?
The amounts paid are refunded in full only if the cancellation is due to war, a natural disaster, the death of a close family member, a serious illness or accident, a visa refusal, official travel restrictions or an official summons, supported by written proof, and only if the request is sent at least one month before the start of the course. In all other cases, no refund is made. Full conditions are set out in the participant agreement.