The homeowners had searched long for the ideal plot to build their family residence. In Sasel, together with friends, they discovered a narrow, elongated parcel—perfect for two single-family homes placed back-to-back. Architect Matthias Mecklenburg's design sits at the rear, in what might seem like a secondary position. Yet this apparent drawback proved to be a blessing in disguise. The back location shields the home from traffic noise on the main road, and the owners leased the adjacent woodland, transforming their garden into an expansive outdoor sanctuary with sweeping views of nature and mature trees.

A long private drive off the main road—the "stem" of this pipe-shaped lot—leads directly to a cedar wood carport positioned at the home's side. A protective canopy extends from the carport to guide residents and guests toward the entrance, while adding visual interest to the house's north-facing facade.

The façade commands attention through its striking interplay of water-struck brick coursing. Strategically placed brick headers create cornices and textured patterns across the cubic form, emphasizing key architectural surfaces. The austere north side belies a home flooded with natural light. The moment you step inside, your gaze travels unobstructed through to the garden beyond. A double-leaf steel-frame glass door welcomes you from the entry hall into the living spaces, flooding the interior with brightness. The living and dining area faces south, opening seamlessly to the terrace through expansive floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors. An open-plan kitchen with breakfast counter sits along the northeast, where morning light graces the family's daybreak rituals. The statement fireplace anchors both the kitchen and living zones, creating a focal point throughout.

The upper floor steps back as a staggered story facing south, creating an expansive roof terrace overlooking the ground-level living spaces. Parents and children enjoy separate, private zones, each with dedicated bathrooms at the building's ends. Five tall, narrow windows in the hallway craft a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The architect extended his vision to landscape design and furnishings, ensuring every detail echoes the home's clean, uncluttered aesthetic.

www.architektmecklenburg.de

Living space: 180 m²
Plot size: 597 m²
Construction period: 09/2019–10/2020
Construction method: solid/double-shell masonry
Energy concept: EnEV 2016/KfW 70

Photography Credits:

Dominik Reipka
www.reipka.de

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 03|21)