A south-facing slope overlooking Tübingen Castle and the city below. A 365 m² plot with exceptional potential. This distinctive setting called for a sustainable, cost-conscious residence for a family of six—one that would embrace passive house efficiency while respecting existing resources and prioritizing renewable materials. As Amunt architects developed their concept, they grappled with fundamental questions: What does sustainability and sufficiency truly mean in architecture and domestic living? And what defines genuinely livable space—how much do we really need?

The architects' response was a masterclass in spatial economy. Across just 138 m² of living area, they prioritized functionality, flexibility, and intelligent layout—maximizing spatial quality while minimizing material waste. Bedrooms and children's rooms are purposefully compact at 7.5–9 m², yet flexible attic spaces and a tiered ground-floor living zone create multiple ways to inhabit the home. A 12 m² balcony and a sheltered courtyard with outdoor kitchen expand the living experience to 23 m² during warmer months. Full-width glazing and inventive spatial layering create varied atmospheres throughout, lending the modest footprint an unexpectedly generous feel. The design even anticipates life's changes: the house can be divided into two independent units (81 m² and 57 m² respectively, each with separate entrances) should the family's circumstances evolve.Solid wood construction was essential to the vision—valued for its energy performance and climate benefits. Cross-laminated timber elements remain visible inside as a refined raw finish: surfaces are simply sanded, limed, and soaped to reveal the wood's inherent warmth and light. The compact form, crowned by its sculpted roof, offers a contemporary reading of the surrounding 1920s stone buildings in the area. That distinctive, multi-faceted hipped roof wasn't arbitrary: it maximizes volume within setback regulations while honoring a crucial neighbor's request—preserving clear views toward Tübingen Castle, a condition essential to the land sale itself.

www.amunt.info

Photography Credits:

Brigida González
www.brigidagonzalez.de

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 01|22)