House on a Slope
A compact yet refined bungalow – thoughtfully designed for an older couple
Neugraben-Fischbek is Hamburg's southwesternmost district, bordering Lower Saxony. The two former villages of Neugraben and Fischbek are still recognisable with their historic centres. The idyllic location on the edge of the Harburg Hills, with the magnificent Fischbek Heath and the extensive Moorgürtel nature reserve, ensures a diverse flora and fauna that delights both locals and visitors alike. The combination of rural charm, natural living and good public transport connections makes Fischbek an attractive place to live. In this picturesque location with its rolling hills, dense forests and breathtaking views, a bungalow has been built according to the plans of architect Matthias Mecklenburg, designed specifically for the needs of an elderly couple.
They had decided to invest in a new home that not only reflects their current lifestyle, but is also future-proof. The focus is on a barrier-free floor plan that allows them to live independently in their own four walls. The hillside location was cleverly utilised. On the one hand, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and natural lighting for the rooms. On the other hand, all the essential living areas – from the spacious living room and modern open-plan kitchen to the bedrooms and bathrooms – are barrier-free on one level, ensuring convenient access to all areas of the house that are used on a daily basis. The ancillary rooms, such as storage, building services, guest rooms and guest bathroom, are located in the basement.
The white plaster façade gives the building a modern touch and stands out harmoniously against the green surroundings. Large windows ensure light-flooded rooms and allow residents to enjoy the beauty of nature to the fullest. The basement is deliberately set apart, both by its dark clinker brick façade and by the cantilever on the garden side, which makes the bungalow appear almost floating. For reasons of sustainability, double-shell masonry was used and a composite thermal insulation façade was deliberately omitted.
Photography:
Dominik Reipka
www.reipka.de
(Published in CUBE Hamburg 04|24)