It was the last undeveloped plot in the development area - it was primarily the steep slope that had deterred many from building on it. The client couple with two children recognized the potential of the location: they wanted a house that would open up views of the valley and create terraces in all directions. Neunwerk Architekten from Bornheim developed a building that makes use of the hillside location - in a geometrically reduced design language and with an open floor plan.   

The development plan provided for two construction windows for two detached single-family homes on the plot. Both could be merged into one larger building window on the basis of the design. It was also possible to modify certain aspects of the strict design specifications, which stipulated plaster façades in light tones and a pitched roof with dark tile cladding. The building consists of two two-storey structures at different heights, which are interlocked on the middle level. While the lower-lying structure turns away from the neighboring buildings and was designed as a two-storey cube with large window fronts, the other part has a more classic appearance with a reduced pitched roof. On three levels, there are generous links to external terrace areas, each with its own character. The division of the building into three spacious levels results in clear functional zoning: While the basement of the cube houses a study with a fitness area and separate access to a spacious swimming pool, the middle level is home to the spacious living, cooking and dining area with an outdoor terrace and distant views. The sleeping areas are located on the top floor of the house and are also connected to a smaller roof terrace. The different levels are connected via an open stairwell, which is located at the hinge point between the two buildings. A central design element is the free-standing, over six-metre-high exposed concrete wall in the stairwell. The purist choice of materials is also expressed in the mineral exposed screed flooring, which was used throughout the entire building with a few exceptions to emphasize the open floor plan and the room transitions. The large-format platings in the outdoor area are also perceived as flowing out of the interior. In terms of energy, the building is equipped with a hybrid combination of heat pump and gas condensing boiler for peak loads - with controlled ventilation and air conditioning in the upper bedrooms.

www.neunwerk.de

Photos:

Axel Hartmann
www.ah-fotografie.de

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 03|23)