Dark Outside, Bright Within

A contemporary take on the gabled house, where bold contrasts and angular forms shape the design

From the earliest planning stages, the dark façade became central to the building's design language. Large white window frames punctuate the dark exterior, their angled reveals drawing daylight deep into the home. To execute these sloping surfaces with precision, Brüning + Hart Architects specified a composite thermal insulation system—a choice that unlocked intricate details like those on the garden elevation. There, the sloping white soffit meets the tilted plane of the protruding living area, creating a dynamic interplay. The resulting overhang serves double duty: it shields against weather while preventing excessive solar heat from penetrating the south-west-facing glazed spaces. At the front, a white sculptural cut unifies the house and garage into a cohesive composition. The entrance frames and door lean into the dark anthracite palette, while the garage door echoes the white accents throughout. The gable roof and its dramatic dormer are clad in black tiles, reinforcing the bold contrast that defines the home.

Inside this 140 m² residence, an exposed concrete staircase connects ground and upper floors, establishing the interior's material language. Following this thread, the living room and kitchen walls are finished with a concrete texture that plays beautifully against the otherwise smooth, white surfaces and built-in cabinetry. The raw quality of the concrete creates visual tension—grounding the spaces while the warm wood flooring brings comfort underfoot. Above the dining table, a soaring double-height void links the two floors, while expansive glazing floods the interiors with light, making every room feel open and inviting.

www.brueningundhart.de