Situated on the edge of an expansive orchard meadow, the sloping site presented a clear design challenge. Baurmann.dürr architects responded with a split-level approach to the floor plan—a solution that embraces spatial complexity while maintaining an understated aesthetic, reminiscent of a traditional country home. The design draws inspiration from northern architecture, yet the finished building evokes a distinctly southern character. This interplay creates an atmosphere of warmth and belonging, one that responds generously to the inhabitants' needs.

An entrance courtyard inserted between the garage and house provides a privacy buffer for the upper garden. The courtyard's rear retaining wall follows the natural slope, screening the street view while establishing a graceful progression toward the entrance—each zone growing progressively more intimate. The lower street-facing section contains the parents' suite: bedroom, dressing room, bath, and sauna. Designed with flexibility in mind, this wing could serve as an independent guest residence if needed. At terrace level, a generous open room extends the full length of the house, framing views across to the adjacent nature reserve. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors with wooden frames flood the space with light; motorized blinds allow for controlled solar exposure. The expansive oak-floored living area is subtly articulated by a half-story staircase and fireplace block—these minimal elements define the cooking, dining, and living zones without overwhelming the space. A half-level above, the corridor opens to the street through an oversized dormer, creating a generous reading nook with panoramic views. Beneath the steep pitched roof with its timber frame structure, the children's and guest wings flank the house library at the gable ends. Every door, staircase, and built-in element was custom-crafted and installed by the carpenter with meticulous precision.

The garage and entrance courtyard, unified with the main structure through light plaster cladding and warm-toned wooden accents, create a coherent architectural composition. The building features a strategic partial basement, sized to match the household's actual needs. Single-leaf Poroton masonry walls deliver both economic and thermal performance, while a heat pump and radiant floor heating system integrate seamlessly into the low-energy design framework.

www.bdarchitekten.eu

Photos:
Swen Carlin
www.swencarlin.com

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 02|25)