A striking monolithic structure commands attention as you exit the charming small town of Beilngries along the southeastern arterial road. This visual impact is entirely deliberate—the architect has integrated her own practice into this residence, with the company logo prominently displayed on the façade to signal this presence to passersby. The architect in question is Stephanie Pfaller, who established her independent practice within her own home in 2022.

The narrow hilltop plot, positioned at the edge of an established residential neighborhood, presented distinct architectural challenges. A south-west orientation and the natural slope demanded creative solutions. The architect responded with an ingenious design: a split-level structure that gracefully descends from entry to garden, following the terrain's natural contours.What immediately captures the eye is the exterior. This timber-frame house wraps itself in pre-weathered larch wood slats, creating an almost complete veil across the entrance façade. The entry itself—recessed and "framed" within the wooden skin—reads like the keystone of an arch. To its right, a subtle, nearly invisible seam reveals the garage door. Visitors park on a gravel court to the left. Front-facing windows exist, yes, but their lathed screens preserve privacy without sacrifice. The pre-greyed wood cladding conveys understated refinement, enhanced by a seamless transition to the roof: angled slats flow effortlessly into trapezoidal metal sheeting, their grid spacing precisely matching the wood above. No gutters or downpipes interrupt this unified composition—all discreetly concealed behind the façade.Sustainability was non-negotiable from the start, making timber the obvious material choice. An air-source heat pump, comprehensive underfloor heating, and mechanical ventilation achieve KfW 40 standards. Within a 600 m² plot, the architects created an expansive 220 m² live-work environment. The slope offers stunning views across the Sulzauen and toward the Schloßberg beyond.From the mid-level entry, one path ascends to the upper floor while another descends gently through the dining and living areas down to the garden. This stratified approach generates varying ceiling heights—2.5, 3, and 3.5 meters—each defining distinct spatial experiences. The almost entirely glazed living zone occupies a projecting central pavilion, generating terraces on both sides. This thoughtful geometry visually balances the neighboring buildings' varying heights. Beneath the roof lies a hidden sauna, naturally lit by skylights. The basement houses a music room.

From conception to completion, this residence and its grounds came together in just two years and four months.

www.pfaller-architektur.com

Living space: 220 m²
Plot size: 600 m²
Construction: Timber frame
Energy concept: Air-source heat pump, underfloor heating plus ventilation system

Photography:
Petra Kellner
www.fotografie-petrakellner.de

(Featured in CUBE Munich 02|24)