Dare to Make a Statement
Minimalist residence with a striking façade that maximizes natural light
Designing a dream home for a real estate professional is no small feat. When a fellow real estate agent reached out for "help," architect Jens Paul Neugebauer of JPN Architekten didn't hesitate. His clients—admittedly drawn to the unconventional—arrived refreshingly open-minded. The couple envisioned a home "to grow old in," where their passion for cooking could flourish as they welcomed family and friends. Straightforward enough. Beyond that, they sought a residence marked by timeless, elegant, and modern architecture.
Yet this vision presented a genuine challenge: the Lörzweiler/Rheinhessen location is defined by conventional architecture—gabled roofs dominate the streetscape—and the neighborhood required a respectful approach. What emerged, however, is a striking minimalist statement. The design boldly reflects the clients' unconventional spirit: rather than playing it safe with black and white, this striking Poroton structure announces itself through color and confident expression. A sculptural, golden-hued ochre façade—finished with vertical brushstroke plaster and luminous in sunlight—wraps the geometric form. The architects achieved something remarkable: a home that captures and celebrates natural light. At street level, the house embraces the garden, with the cantilevered ground floor—like the story above it—generously glazed to frame the landscape, creating intimate zones for living and cooking.
Inside, raw concrete walls, frameless doors, and thoughtful, layered lighting deepen the connection to the outdoors. The owner is thrilled, and the neighborhood has embraced "Lörzi," as he affectionately calls his home. Every material specified is recyclable, meeting rigorous sustainability standards and modern energy efficiency requirements outlined in the Energy Saving Ordinance (ENEV).
Photography:
Tim König
(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 01|25)
