The design brief was elegantly simple: the clients wanted a house with a tent-style roof that captured the spirit of Mediterranean architecture. WSM Architects from Pöcking began by carefully studying the site's unique topography and characteristics. Perched on a Tutzing hillside overlooking Lake Starnberg, the property presented both challenge and opportunity. WSM's response was a structured, tiered design that flows naturally with the slope. They reimagined the tent roof concept with contemporary flair—bolder, more modern, more daring—and the clients were instantly won over.

The tent roof concept likely drew inspiration from Mediterranean vacations, yet here it takes subtle form: a barely perceptible pitch that suggests rather than declares the pyramid shape, lending the residence the refined character of a modern urban villa. A compact satellite structure frames the street approach, functioning as both office and guest quarters, while its lower level houses an elegant wellness retreat—fully illuminated by a courtyard that takes advantage of the hillside setting. The two-story main residence presents a composed street façade while opening generously to the garden on the south side. Large glazed expanses are precisely controlled by aluminum louvers, providing privacy exactly where needed—bathrooms, dressing areas—without sacrificing light. The ground floor façade features cantilevered perforated metal panels with a warm wood-grain appearance, simultaneously protecting privacy while meeting both functional and aesthetic objectives. The upper floor cantilevers gracefully over the terraces below, appearing to hover above the landscape. From the roof terrace crowning the entrance, views sweep across Lake Starnberg. Inside, luminous, generously proportioned spaces welcome inhabitants with warmth and ease. The layout follows classical principles: the ground floor houses cooking, dining, and living areas, while the upper floor contains a study, bathrooms, and a bedroom with its own terrace. Throughout, minimalist, timeless furnishings emphasize comfort and utility. Warm grey-brown tiles unify the interiors, establishing an inviting, sophisticated atmosphere across the entire home.

www.wsm-architekten.com

Exterior Photography:
Jonathan Sage
www.jonathansage.de
Interior Photography:
Anton Jularic

(Published in CUBE Munich 03|24)