Nestled in Kirchheim unter Teck's vibrant urban neighbourhood—characterized by high density and exceptional quality of life—this unconventional residence occupies a constrained 4.5-metre-wide by 12.5-metre-long lot between an apartment block and a passage connecting two inner courtyards. Mehr* architects responded by dividing the narrow footprint into three identical modules arranged in sequence. Each 16 m² room rises to 3.1 metres and follows a deliberately "neutral" design strategy: functionally equivalent and fully interchangeable. This flexibility allows the ground floor and second-floor end spaces to evolve with the family's changing needs throughout their life stages. A consistent window rhythm across the gridded façade reinforces this design principle of equal value, expressed visibly to the street.

The design strategy hinged on a fundamental decision: placing the kitchen, dining, and living spaces on the upper floor, with the dining table positioned at the geometric heart of the home as the family's gathering point. The central staircase anchors the middle zone, with the entire spatial programme organized around it. On the ground floor, this central zone becomes a generous entrance hall, opening via double doors into rooms designated for storage and studio use. The attic accommodates a modest hallway between two bedrooms, which also provides access to a small bathroom. The staircase culminates at the flat roof, transformed into a private garden retreat. The house's clarity and restraint extends to its material palette—a refined selection of raw or subtly finished elements. Red brickwork forms the exterior walls, sized to align perfectly with the brick module, eliminating unnecessary cuts. A thin lime-wash plaster layer overlays the masonry, allowing its texture to remain visible. Exposed concrete defines the ceilings and stair flights, while lightly glazed spruce handles all doors, railings, and partition walls. The flooring strategy shifts with each level: robust cement screed on the ground floor (allowing for future overlays), wide spruce planks in the living zones, and soft light-green linoleum in the sleeping areas.

www.mehrarchitekten.de

Photography:
Sebastian Schels
www.schels.net

(Featured in CUBE Stuttgart 01|25)