The spacious property, whose topography is slightly sloping, has an old tree population in the western part and borders directly on a wooded area to the east. This special situation was the starting point for the design by architect Axel Nieberg from Hanover. The division into several cubes creates a relief-like building figure that thrives on the interplay of light and shadow. The villa is clad in a rough anthracite-colored brick. The handcrafted character of the stone is further enhanced by a wide mortar joint. In contrast to the variety of colors of the forest, the residential building with its reduced color scheme is respectfully restrained, and the dark facades visually reduce the volume of the building.

Access to the villa for one family is via an intimate atrium, which radiates tranquillity with its backlit exposed concrete bench. As an exciting counterpoint, the hallway in the house offers direct access to the outside through large areas of glazing. The entire living area has an open design with flowing room transitions and is accentuated by an exposed concrete wall panel with an integrated fireplace. Clearly defined visual axes and an L-shaped layout create a variety of views of the garden and forest. A breakfast terrace directly adjoins the floor-to-ceiling kitchen windows, which offer an unobstructed view of an old pine tree that is protected as a natural monument. A separate wing has been designed for the children. The parents' rooms are located on the upper floor, which is accessed via a solid exposed concrete staircase. Façade openings in all directions create a variety of lighting moods throughout the day, while an elongated skylight even allows a view of the sky.

In addition to the impressive visual axes, natural materials create the special atmosphere of the house: solid oak floorboards and brown-grey large-format porcelain stoneware tiles, exposed concrete walls with exposed formwork and filled solid reinforced concrete ceilings as well as brick walls with lime cement plaster. All built-in cupboards and solid wood furniture as well as the washbasins with solid surface base units were designed by the architect. Natural and artificial light is an integral part of Atelier Nieberg's design. The cubature of the building creates a varied shadow effect with its projections and recesses. The rough brick surface supports the relief effect. Accentuating lighting was used to create atmospheric moods in the dark, with an emphasis on glare control that is pleasant to the human eye. When designing the outdoor areas, a clear distinction is made between existing and new planting. Deliberately placed maples with colorful autumn leaves accentuate the views from the house.

www.nieberg-architect.de

Living space: 400 m²
Plot size: 2,000 m²
Construction time: 20 months
Construction method: Solid construction
Energy concept: Air-heat pump with photovoltaics

Photos:

Axel Nieberg

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 02|23)