Three oaks, two houses, one ensemble. An ensemble that paradoxically emerges through bold visual contrast. For one house is black, the other white. An apparent pair of opposites, yet united by the fact that black and white are two poles that condition each other and are considered particularly expressive. The ensemble character also arises because both buildings lean on each other architecturally—for instance, through the asymmetrical placement of the roof ridges or through their monolithic appearance. The roofing and façades of both houses have been harmonized in color. The architects behind this dynamic architectural community are Marc Flick, HGA Henning Grahn Architektur, and Christian Stock. Together, they designed both buildings to comply with regulations such as permissible building density and pitched roof form. Moreover, they planned these unpretentious houses with a particular focus on functionality. Both structures were oriented so that rooms receive optimal natural light. The two monoliths are closed at the rear and open generously to the front toward a shared garden with southwest exposure. Their slender floor plans ensure that both families benefit from a maximally spacious garden, whose landscape is anchored by impressive mature oaks and pines. The three oaks between the two houses are a natural part of the ensemble. The client collective wanted this green heart to create a shared space between the houses for both families. The connection to the garden also unites the two monoliths: the ground floor of the black house, for example, provides space for cooking, dining, and living. Glass sliding doors connect the living area to the garden terrace. Sliding doors appear elsewhere too, though concealed, with the intention of creating optimal spatial efficiency. The hallway unexpectedly becomes part of the children's bathroom, while a separate unit is created for the parents. The generous fixed glazing of the white house similarly connects the living space visually with the garden and brings the outdoor room inward throughout the upper floors. "In contrast to the compact upper story with individual rooms, the top floor is designed as a generous, light-filled space with skylights. The exceptional glazing stages the introverted roof terrace, where the clients can relax among the tree canopies of the oaks," the architects explain.

www.marcflick.de
www.hga.archi

Photography Credits:

David Schreyer
www.schreyerdavid.com

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 04|21)