From the street, the generous detached house immediately draws attention with its striking stone façade. The architect couple Engelshove, who oversaw both design and construction, paired this with a white-clad element that frames the garage. "The extra-long, slender facing bricks with a ground natural stone cap layer, laid horizontally, beautifully accentuate the building's form," explains Anja Engelshove. Beyond the visual variety this creates, there's a practical benefit: a colour-fast coating renders the stone water-repellent. Thoughtfully sited on a plot whose orientation doesn't favor the cardinal directions, the home has become a cherished haven for the family.

The design challenge was to turn the plot's north-facing width and southwest access into assets rather than constraints. The building presents a more guarded face toward the street, particularly at the entrance, which is framed by a protective wall. Combined with the articulated façade planes that step in and out, this creates an intimate courtyard-like setting. The entrance, discreetly tucked away, sits between the expansive garage and the residence itself—a location that also houses the utility room and mechanical systems. By contrast, the southwest elevation opens generously to the landscape. The open-plan living hub sits at the heart of the property, and its expansive south and east-facing glazing bathes the space in natural light from sunrise to sunset. The broad terrace functions as an extension of the interior, achieved through continuous flooring that visually merges the two zones. Throughout the day, the terrace shifts between sunny and shaded areas. The open-plan living area serves as the family's social center, seamlessly flowing through living, dining, and cooking spaces. A three-sided fireplace anchors the room's center, subtly dividing the space and offering intimate moments while preserving the sense of openness. Upstairs, the layout is equally considered. The children's wing, positioned to the southwest with its own bathroom, captures abundant afternoon daylight. The parents' suite, oriented east, awakens to morning sun. A wellness retreat and a private loggia—shielded from view and perfect for evening relaxation—further enrich this wing.

www.engelshove.de

Living area: approx. 270 m²
Plot size: approx. 999 m²
Construction period: approx. 14 months
Building method: solid masonry, KfW 40+
Energy features: heat pump, photovoltaic system with battery storage, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery

Photography Credits:

Arnd Haug

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 01|23)