A family that had already lived in the USA, Canada, Germany, France and the Netherlands, among other places, found the ideal location for their new home between Aachen and Cologne. "We simply love the multiculturalism of the region and, of course, the fact that everyone is welcome here," says the client happily. The selected plot forms a transition between two levels: while a residential area is located on higher ground, the western side of the plot opens up to a lively park area via a body of water. An exciting terrain for which an exciting solution was sought. A solution that had to meet certain constraints.

On the one hand, spaciousness was required. The aim was to create a generous villa that conveys a feeling of freedom. In addition, it was important to the clients to create a building that was sustainable. This wish was fulfilled through the use of a heat pump and photovoltaic system. Last but not least, pragmatic modernity was on the wish list. As a family with all its facets, it was very important to the clients that the state-of-the-art design also met their own needs for informal get-togethers. The couple found what they were looking for in architect Egon Schneider, whose design impressed the owners above all with its mediating adaptation of Bauhaus architecture. The design language of the cubic structure gives the villa its own grandeur and allows it to stand entirely on its own. In contrast to the classic Bauhaus style, however, the vertical is emphasised much more by reducing the dimensions of the upper floor. Nevertheless, the villa does not feel out of place, mainly because the large glass fronts dissolve the boundary between inside and outside.

When selecting materials, the owners opted for timeless classics: marble and granite. "By strategically incorporating Magma Black granite, we've achieved stunning variations within a single material," the homeowner explains with evident enthusiasm. Natural stone and stone tiles serve as flooring throughout the residence, with their selection varying by room. These same materials were repurposed for custom home accessories, creating a cohesive design language that extends into the kitchen.
Oversized motorized shades frame the aluminum-lined windows, providing superior thermal insulation while enhancing the villa's sophisticated, inviting ambiance.

Photos:
Lukas Krippner
www.lukaskrippner.de

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 04|24)