Sculpted into the Hillside

A semi-detached home that captivates through bold sculptural design

Sometimes, pragmatic solutions elevate a building project in unexpected ways. A young family of five searching for land in the Frankfurt region discovered a plot in an established residential community that exceeded their spatial needs—yet its elevated position on a hillside offered something far more valuable: panoramic views. Ricardo Ferreira Architects from Meerbusch near Düsseldorf seized the opportunity, proposing a striking semi-detached design. What began as a concept for one unit evolved naturally into a paired solution when the adjoining property owner embraced the same architectural vision. The result is a staggered, sculpturally refined building that commands the streetscape, reinforced by thoughtfully unified landscaping that imparts a distinctly Mediterranean character.

The sloping terrain presented the primary design challenge. To efficiently organize the two units, the architects designed dual underground garages accessed from opposite sides of the property, positioned below grade with connections to each basement level. Independent exterior staircases from the property edges lead to both ground floors. The staggered masses create striking sculptural interplay—amplified through differentiated façade treatments that contrast smooth plaster with textured brushed finishes. Both homes showcase open-plan ground floors with distinct living, dining, and kitchen zones, all flooded with natural light and connected to the garden through expansive sliding glass walls. A key spatial feature is the double-height void above the dining area, crowned by a dramatic skylight that floods the gallery above with light. South- and east-facing terraces and seating areas provide privacy from neighboring views. A continuous staircase ascends to the upper levels: one side dedicated entirely to children's bedrooms, the other to the master suite with spa-like ensuite bath and walk-in closet, plus two roof terraces on each side. Throughout both homes, the architects specified a restrained material palette for the interiors. Radiant floor heating via a high-efficiency gas condensing boiler maintains comfort, while mechanical ventilation with heat recovery adds efficiency. A KNX smart home system manages all building systems.

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