At first glance, this new multi-generational home in southwest Munich seems almost to disappear into its surroundings. The corner building sits naturally within the neighbourhood's fabric, as though it has always belonged there. Its interlocking cubic form mirrors the interior spatial arrangement—a design principle that guides every room. A modest garden precedes the house, anchored by a magnificent cherry tree that commands the space. The principal living areas open westward, framing views of both the garden and its leafy centerpiece.

Designed by Knopp Wassmer Architects, who guided the project through to completion, this timber house in Forstenried reflects the lifestyle of its inhabitants—an editor and a philosopher. The interior speaks a language of refined restraint, touched by a Japanese minimalist sensibility. A split-level approach structures the home: soaring spaces occupy the front, including the kitchen, while more intimate rooms retreat to the rear. A generous library anchors the upper floor—positioned perfectly for quiet study. Conceived as a multi-generational home, the design flexibly accommodates families at different life stages; the top floor functions as an independent apartment when needed. Two staircases choreograph movement through the house: a single flight connects ground to first floor, while a double flight leads skyward. Between them sits the library entrance, positioned on an intermediate landing. The staircase itself reads as sculptural intervention—a statement piece with black steel balustrades and a refined oak handrail.

The building's load-bearing structure—its very skeleton—is timber throughout. This choice delivers warmth and atmosphere while offering exceptional thermal performance. Solid wood ceilings paired with timber frame construction and effective cellulose insulation work in concert to maximize energy efficiency and virtually eliminate thermal bridging. The plaster's warm terracotta tone suggests earthen clay, yet the material tells a different story: mineral plaster applied over wood fibre insulation creates the protective outer shell. The roof crowns the composition in anthracite-grey aluminium sheet.

Light oak panelling defines the interior throughout. The kitchen centers on a substantial island—its top and backsplash fashioned from veined quartzite, creating a focal point that anchors the culinary space. Yet the library commands real presence: this double-height sanctuary impresses through floor-to-ceiling shelving and expansive glazing framed in aged brass—a room designed for those who live surrounded by books.

Brass downlights and black steel ceiling fixtures dispense light with restraint, allowing walls to breathe. Climbing the staircase, you're guided by the gentle glow of vertical tube lights mounted on the wall. Scattered throughout like carefully chosen artworks, Danish and Scandinavian vintage fixtures add unexpected warmth to the purist interior—living touches within a serene aesthetic.

The expansive ground-floor loggia flows seamlessly into the interior, finished in the same natural stone that grounds the living spaces. A graceful stone pathway, edged with low plantings, extends from here into the garden—a gentle transition between inside and out. The home's energy strategy merits mention: an air-source heat pump, photovoltaic panels, and a central ventilation system with heat recovery converge to achieve the exacting KfW 40 standard—among Europe's most rigorous efficiency benchmarks.

www.knoppwassmer.de

Photography:
Adrienne-Sophie Hoffer
www.adriennehoffer.com

(Published in CUBE Munich 02|25)