Architects typically name residential projects after their clients' initials – but this commission took a different turn. During the planning phase, a stork was spotted on the property, which borders a nature reserve north of Düsseldorf. A sign, surely – and so the architects at DDJ Döring Dahmen Joeressen, together with the clients, christened the project "Haus Storchennest" (Stork's Nest House). For this generously proportioned garden site, bounded by a picturesque stream to the south, they designed a building conceived to draw sunlight through its spaces.

The design concept emerged from the quiet, cul-de-sac location of the site, which comprises two adjoining parcels. The eastern parcel, adjacent to a kindergarten, was designated for the single-family home, while the western parcel was conceived as garden space – leaving room for a second residence to be built at a future date. At the heart of "Haus Storchennest" sits an almost square, cubic form with a recessed upper storey and a garage positioned along the property's eastern edge. Between these two volumes sits a small glazed atrium, which captures morning light and diffuses it gently through a fan-shaped arrangement of trees. Indeed, experiencing the sun's daily journey and its seasonal progression was paramount to the clients' vision. This shaped every decision: the ground floor unfolds as one flowing, open plan, allowing rooms to merge seamlessly. The living and kitchen areas open onto covered terraces – completely accessible and offering both passive solar protection and shelter from the elements. The staggered upper storey contains the family's four bedrooms, two bathrooms, dressing room, and an east-facing terrace. A single flight of stairs, featuring a slender steel balustrade and an open stairwell, connects all levels and descends to the basement. The balustrade's two-tone palette runs as a continuous ribbon through the double-height entrance hall, creating a striking spatial accent. Materials are deliberately restrained: oak flooring imparts warmth inside, while vertical oak slats on the exterior provide a warm counterpoint to the white plaster façade throughout all sheltered areas. The house entrance, garage access, and utility spaces are seamlessly integrated into the slatted walls. An air-source heat pump coupled with radiant floor heating ensures energy efficiency.

www.ddj.de

Photography Credits:

Manos Meisen
www.manosmeisen.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf, Issue 04|22)