Can a house truly be perfect? Probably not—but one can certainly strive to build it as close to perfect as possible. This single-family residence in Bohnsdorf, near Berlin's BER airport, appears to have succeeded admirably. The architects at cubus plan in Berlin were commissioned by the client to design an ecological, sustainable home. The key priority was to integrate the house seamlessly with the garden, plants, wildlife, and sauna.

The house is constructed in timber frame design with load-bearing beams up to 24 centimeters thick. Its form was intended to be straightforward and pragmatic, yet also aesthetically refined. This resulted in a cubic structure with clean lines and geometric forms. The house has no basement; it sits on a concrete foundation slab and comprises two stories. As one approaches the eastern entrance, the interplay of varied window sizes and proportions immediately catches the eye, followed by the flat roof with its minimal three-degree pitch. Behind the house sits a spacious garden with a sauna pavilion. In the living area, expansive south-facing windows with an integrated bench open toward the garden and adjacent terrace. To the north stands a single-car garage. The exterior is clad in light horizontal timber boarding of thermowood pine. The ecological requirements are met through the compact building form and its favorable volume-to-surface ratio, combined with the timber frame construction, cellulose insulation, and heat pump system.

The open-plan living space, integrated with the kitchen and dining area, is further warmed by a wood-burning stove that creates a cozy atmosphere. The bathroom also opens directly to the garden, enabling direct access to the sauna. The upper floor is self-contained and can serve as a separate rental unit—or alternatively extend the ground-floor living space. In total, the property comprises a gross floor area of 280 m². The expansive terrace on the first floor faces the opposite southeast side, preserving privacy between the two units if needed. Two operable windows were incorporated here to provide additional natural light to the ground floor. A rainwater collection system has been installed on the vegetated roof. There is little more one could do to create the "perfect house."

www.cubus-plan.com

Photos:
Itziar León Soriano, Janina Fago

(Published in CUBE Berlin 04|23)