The house designed by FFM architects Tovar + Tovar demonstrates that it is possible to create a spacious, open and fluid space that connects the interior and exterior whilst at the same time offering a sense of security and private retreats. Situated in Frankfurt’s Riedberg district, the villa adheres to the guidelines set out in the design manual ‘Villen hoch 3’ and thus employs the stylistic approach of additive construction. Further structural requirements set by HA Hessen Stadtentwicklungsgesellschaft included, amongst other things, a rectangular floor plan and garages integrated into the building. Ancillary facilities such as a refuse storage room and bicycle parking spaces were also to be architecturally integrated into the overall concept.
 
For their clients, the architects have designed a two-storey base cube, into which the second, single-storey garage structure made of exposed concrete and a third, panel-clad cube on the ground floor are cut. They reduced the light-coloured base cube – into which, in turn, an open, unsupported green atrium is recessed – to a floating frame on the south side (main façade).

Materials and volumes define the identity of the three cubes: The base cube has a light-coloured rendered surface and dominates the upper storey; the smaller dark cube is set back on all sides, and its surfaces, clad in matt metal panels, appear on the upper storey only as recessed areas. Half of the garage cube, situated on the boundary of the plot, sits beneath the main building and is constructed from exposed concrete. The interplay of window areas and recessed surfaces echoes the colour scheme of the dark cube’s façade elements, whilst the garage door mirrors the formwork finish of the exposed concrete.

The living area and terrace are integrated with the main building, both in design and function, to form a single unit. Recesses in the façade create covered outdoor spaces for the terrace and entrance. A two-storey atrium, which spans the length of the building and provides access to all areas of the house, connects these two outdoor spaces. The ground floor, comprising the kitchen, dining area and living room, forms a large, open-plan space that extends into the garden area – interrupted only by the floor-to-ceiling glazing.

The central feature within the base cube is a nine-metre-high cubic exposed-concrete element, with an open staircase running from the basement up to the first floor. Like an open room divider, it divides the building between the entrance and living areas into open spaces and more private areas.

www.ffm-architekten.de

Living area: 389.55 m²
Plot size: 663 m²
Construction period: 2018–2020
Construction method: Solid construction
Energy concept: District heating

Photography Credits:

FFM Architects, Markus Raupach

(Featured in CUBE Frankfurt 03|22)