Architect Philipp Molter's "House by the River," based in Munich, merges the primal with the contemporary. Rooted in principles of harmonious living, this modern dwelling dissolves seamlessly into its natural surroundings, where inhabitation and life become one.

Material selection stands at the heart of the design: the house employs timber frame construction throughout. With approximately 40 cubic meters of wood integrated into its structure, the building sequesters 35 to 45 tonnes of CO₂ – a powerful statement for responsible, sustainable building practices. This achievement earned the home a spot on the prestigious longlist for best single-family residences of 2025. The architect draws on expertise cultivated under industry giants like Renzo Piano and Massimiliano Funksas—knowledge that permeates every design decision. The three-story home pivots around a central entrance hall crowned by an atrium that rises through all levels, allowing the house to breathe while flooding every floor with natural light. The ground floor operates as a flexible social nexus—a contemporary agora that accommodates collective experiences from workshops to private events, yet remains subdivided by sliding partitions into distinct zones for work and living. This vision crystallized through a vital partnership between Molter and designer Miriam Irle, whose collaborative process shaped the project's conceptual foundation.
Miriam Irle reflects on the space: "The interior unfolds through unexpected room configurations and spatial dialogues. The staircase functions as a living element, framing perpetual sightlines into the luminous void above. A striking vertical shelf spans the full height of the atrium, weaving visual continuity throughout the space."

The design respects a fundamental principle: minimal intervention with the landscape. Translating this philosophy into reality, the structure sits lightly on the terrain—supported by a slender, precisely engineered timber framework with only a modest, compact basement beneath. The upper floors follow the familiar logic of residential organization: dedicated zones for rest and hygiene, complemented by atrium-facing spaces suited for retreat or focused work. Ground level flooring consists of pale grey polished concrete, while upper stories showcase warm wooden boards. A full-length south-facing balcony ribbons across the first floor, and floor-to-ceiling glazing dissolves interior boundaries into the landscape when conditions permit. The home's proportions strike an unusual chord: a narrow profile lengthened by an atypical depth, capped with the gable roof vernacular to the region. On the garden-facing western elevation, a loggia nests within the gable volume. This unconventional, dialogue-rich approach distinguishes the house from surrounding timber structures, fostering a harmonious rhythm of family life and hospitality.

www.studiomolter.com
www.miriam-irle.com

Photography:
Phillip Molter
www.philippmolter.com
sashmedia
www.sash-media.de

(Published in CUBE Munich 04|25)