The Challenge: An exposed hillside property with an aging residential structure called for renovation and preservation. Yet after thorough structural assessment, the case for demolition and rebuild became clear—the drawbacks of renovation simply outweighed the benefits. Working within strict building codes, a tight footprint, and steep topography, FRA Fischer Rüdenauer Architekten designed a five-story residence unified by a dual staircase. Stripped down to its essence, the house evokes the iconic silhouette of traditional coffee mill architecture. Light grey exposed concrete, steel elements, and glazing pair with black-stained wood cladding that wraps across the pitched roof—a restrained palette that defines the design. Free of projections and recesses, the structure stands as a masterwork of minimalist, timeless form.

The basement level, accessed from street grade, provides parking for vehicles and bicycles alongside utility, mechanical, and storage spaces. A dedicated wellness zone features a fitness studio, sauna, and steam shower. Above, the ground floor offers a compact two-room apartment designed as flowing open-plan living, with expansive windows that dissolve the boundary between interior and landscape. A wood-clad service core rises from ground level through the upper stories, rhythmically articulating the building's three-dimensional form. Doors and cabinetry integrate seamlessly into the wall panels, appearing as unbroken surfaces. Three upper floors combine to create one generous residential suite, perceptually unified by a soaring void through the stairwell. The first floor hosts the living-dining area with open kitchen, powder room, and auxiliary spaces. The second floor accommodates the master suite with walk-in closet, ensuite bath, and an open family lounge anchored by a generous sofa. The top floor opens to the sky through two dormers and a substantial circular window, revealing views in three directions—completing the space with a children's bedroom, guest bath, and home office.

In erster Linie prägt der einzigartige und unverbaute Ausblick den Gebäudeentwurf. Große Schiebefenster inszenieren die Umgebung wie große Bilder an der Wand. Individuell geplante Einbaumöbel und Wandverkleidungen bilden den „roten Faden“. Er begleitet einen durch das gesamte Gebäude und vermittelt optische Wärme und angenehme Ruhe. Das Farb- und Materialkonzept könnte man als „skandinavisch“ bezeichnen: Hochwertiges Eichenparkett aus Dänemark, Weißtanne für die Fenster, Einbaumöbel und Wandverkleidungen, Feinsteinzeug und Naturstein bilden zusammen mit glatten, weißen Wand-, Decken- und Lackflächen die Oberflächen im Inneren. Die Details sind präzise geplant und umgesetzt. Die Atmosphäre im Haus ist hell, freundlich und zurückhaltend schick.  

www.fr-architekten.com

Photography Credits:

Thomas Streitberg

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 04|23)