Scandinavian-inspired

House on a Hillside: Where Community and Retreat Find Balance

"This is exactly what we envisioned," the homeowner reflects on her new hillside retreat, where sweeping views of the nearby forest unfold. The striking structure, clad in charred black timber, emerged from a creative partnership between Axial Architects and designer Olaf Recht—the homeowner's son. Recht brought both architectural vision and a keen eye for detail, particularly regarding the Scandinavian-inspired wooden façade and overall form. The architects refined these concepts, validating feasibility and bringing them to life. With three distinct living zones needed to accommodate visiting children and grandchildren under one shared roof, the design had to balance arrival areas, communal spaces, and private retreats—each with room to breathe. The clients also desired a sun-filled home infused with contemporary comfort and advanced building systems.

The lower level—featuring shared amenities like guest quarters with ample storage, a wellness zone, and garden access—sits partially underground with solid masonry construction, while the upper floor employs full timber frame building. The black-flamed façade reveals no bright cut edges; every board was laid whole. Working closely with the designer, the architects first mapped the structural grid, then presented detailed 3D models and renderings to the timber fabricator. This collaborative approach allowed them to fine-tune joint spacing with remarkable precision.

The open approach to the paved courtyard entrance—fence-free—extends a warm welcome before the interior reveals its design strategy: sight lines flowing through the luminous interior volumes. White walls and light timber floors create a striking dialogue with the dark exterior cladding. Additional materials—crisp white ceramics, deep grey tiles—and seamlessly integrated building systems enhance rather than interrupt this carefully composed interplay of contrast.

www.axial-architekten.de
www.olafrecht.com