Architect Benjamin Stiller realized his vision of an ideal family home in the gardens of his family's historic villa. The location offered one distinct advantage—a peaceful setting—but also presented considerable challenges. Shallow bedrock made deep excavation impossible, forcing an innovative solution: the garage moved upward to become a structural element that defines the living spaces above. This pragmatic response to site constraints became a defining principle throughout the design. The home's layout follows natural elevation changes, creating varied niches and seating zones that serve multiple functions—and children quickly discover them as perfect play spaces. "The different heights naturally generate these diverse areas," the architect explains. The 180 m² residence embodies a commitment to sustainability and near-total self-sufficiency, with wood as the primary structural material. Rather than conventional timber, the team employed recycled wood, layering it strategically to form economical solid walls. A heat pump with radiant floor heating provides warmth today, with plans for a rooftop photovoltaic system to power it in the future—making sustainability integral to the concept. The interior unfolds with remarkable openness and vitality. Visual connections flow throughout the entire structure, while varied levels create distinct zones without rigid boundaries, generating a dynamic, ever-evolving sense of space. The generous gallery proves especially transformative—accessible from everywhere, it becomes the home's nervous system, weaving together the different levels. The dining area, soaring 6.50 metres high, orchestrates constantly shifting views that intensify the sense of spatial drama. What completes this experience are the ever-changing light compositions created by the southwest orientation and the mature trees surrounding the property, casting moving patterns across the interior throughout the day.

The architect has crafted striking contrasts throughout—both inside and out. The exterior plays wood against dark façade panels; the interior counters industrial-style black fittings against the warmth of the timber, creating compelling visual tension. Upper-floor slats perform double duty: they visually separate the public realm of the ground floor from the private sanctum above, while simultaneously filtering sunlight and sight lines. Completing the design is an unexpected luxury—a sauna, where the owners decompress after long hikes and mountain biking adventures.

www.stillerarchitekten.de

Photography:
Rainer Mader
www.rainermader.de
stiller architekten

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 03|25)