A new construction near Giessen demonstrates that successful architecture can emerge even in locations where most developers see no potential for building. In Wißmar, alongside a striking black timber house also designed by architect Gerhard Schymik (project report in CUBE 4/2022), a second new building has now risen: a red single-family home that distinguishes itself from conventional construction not only through its bold color palette, but also through its distinctive design approach.

The architect, simultaneously serving as client and builder, seized this opportunity to make a deliberate statement against formulaic developer architecture. The project was only possible through a close working relationship with the landowner, who was willing to subdivide his property and work with an architect capable of realizing his vision and navigating the permitting process. The red corrugated metal façade—unconventional for residential architecture—is precisely what gives it its distinctive appeal. The material was deliberately chosen to create a ventilated façade that, combined with Poroton masonry, achieves low-energy house standards without additional insulation, while delivering a visually striking, durable, and maintenance-efficient exterior. A defining gesture is the freestanding garage, connected to the main house by black steel tubes—an architectural move that unifies the ensemble visually and bridges the two structures. The red-and-black palette is no accident; it reflects the architect's consistent design philosophy and draws from seminal works in modern architecture. As the architect notes: "The combination of red and black is something I hold dear across nearly all my buildings."

The house captivates through its unconventional floor plan—one that responds not merely to functional requirements but to its surrounding landscape. A generous terrace, for instance, offers unobstructed views across the green. This spatial concept extends seamlessly into the interior. Large windows opening onto the terrace dissolve the boundary between living space and nature. Materials like oak cladding and iridescent green tiles echo the surrounding landscape, creating a natural dialogue between inside and out.

Photography:
Frank Schulte
www.schulte-photography.com

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 01|25)