Friction doesn't necessarily derail projects—sometimes it catalyzes more refined creative solutions. This principle proved itself once again with the single-family home that e2 architekten from Meerbusch designed and built for a five-member family in Angermund. Already familiar with the architects through a previous renovation, the family had a clear vision: a home where all communal living spaces face and open toward the garden, with distinct zones for parents and children, all wrapped in a refined and architecturally accomplished brick façade.

Yet translating these wishes into reality proved challenging. The site—cleared of its original bungalow—was bound by strict planning codes typical of the neighborhood's predominantly single-story development. The garage couldn't stand alone but had to be integrated into the building itself. Reconciling these constraints with the family's spatial needs while creating a visually distinctive structure became a complex puzzle. The architects worked painstakingly through countless iterations, refining the interplay between ground and upper floors, full and staggered sections—a process that demanded precision down to the finest details.

The result is a multi-part residence defined by interlocking cubes that create a dynamic street-facing façade. Rich reddish-brown clinker brickwork articulates the sculptural form of each section while visually unifying them as a cohesive ensemble—the garage structure integrates naturally into the composition. The floor plan is oriented strategically to the cardinal directions: secondary spaces such as the cloakroom, bathroom, and single-flight staircase occupy the north-facing street side, while the kitchen, living, and dining areas open generously toward the south through expansive aluminum glazing that flows seamlessly onto the terrace. Motorized lift-and-slide doors paired with external solar shading allow complete flexibility, while the upper floor is dedicated entirely to children's rooms and shared bathroom. The master suite with en-suite sits on the ground floor, and the basement incorporates an additional naturally lit study and guest room. All told, approximately 230 m² of living space is heated and cooled with effortless efficiency through a geothermal system.

www.e2architekten.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 02|20)