Surprisingly far-sighted
A steeply sloping plot is optimally utilized for views and vistas
Very steeply sloping plots offer the opportunity to effectively stage views with little effort. But before the astonished admiration comes the work of the architects, the challenge of harmonizing the terrain with the wishes of the building family. It is no coincidence that HPA+ Architekten from Cologne designed the house for a family of five with special consideration for the expansive view over the valley. This, as well as the surrounding nature, should be present on all sides. The house itself almost takes a back seat to this staging of the surroundings. But only almost.
Unobtrusive, almost inconspicuous, the building adjoins the forecourt with the two garage parking spaces. The predominantly closed façade on the street side emphasizes this impression of the building, which is restrained on this side. All the more surprising is the three-storey structure, which is all the more striking when entering the building and especially when looking at the garden side. Here, the façade is glazed over two storeys. The light floods into the rooms, drawing the eye into the distance and making you forget the surrounding walls. Sometimes nature appears like a framed picture, sometimes it almost floods into the house. The spacious, open-plan living spaces invite you to do just that. "The room should only have an effect through the incredible view, a material was chosen here that is subordinate and does not demand much attention," says architect Lars Puff, explaining the decision for the smooth, gray spatula floor on the first floor.
Family life takes place in the open-plan living area, which can also be taken outside. The terrace to the side of the living room makes this possible. It takes up the space of the room below, which is part of the basement that opens up on the slope side with direct access to the garden.
On the upper floor, the senses are stimulated by the light-colored wooden floor, which is also pleasant on bare feet. Visually, on the other hand, there is a surprising window that is not in the outer façade, but in the wall to the air space that extends behind the glazed façade over two storeys. This is where the floors connect, the far-reaching view can be experienced once again and brings the surroundings inside in an unexpected way.
Photos:
Detlef Podehl
www.podehl.com
(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 01|21)
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