Dorsten is an attractive town of around 75,000 residents on the northern edge of the Ruhr Valley. In 2019, a four-person family from Hamburg settled there, purchasing a 500 m² plot in a new development area—the beginning of their custom home journey. The owners, driven by a genuine passion for architecture, design, and interior spaces, devoted considerable time and thought to creating their approximately 200 m² home from scratch. Nothing off-the-shelf would do. The façade demanded particular attention; with its generous surface area, it sets the visual tone for any first impression. From the start, the material choice was clear: brick. But not just any brick—one with distinctive character and undeniable presence. Every subsequent material choice reflected this same deliberate approach.

Drawing on careers in real estate and architectural training, the homeowners brought deep expertise in construction methods and materials to the project. The result is a home with unobstructed countryside views—a space that embodies their individual vision in every detail. A staggered roofline creates efficient spatial flow while playing with dynamic lines and volumes. Symmetrical windows? Absolutely not. The owner intentionally embraced visual breaks, selecting and positioning the perfect window for each room. The façade required equally meticulous consideration. Many clinker bricks were evaluated before settling on one they had admired on another building years earlier: the Ultima brick (RT 153) by Randers Tegl. This handcrafted water-struck brick in a light tone captivates with its nuanced color play—shifting beautifully with changing light. Every element, from joint thickness to joint profile, was thoughtfully specified. Remaining bricks were repurposed to create a welcoming outdoor grilling area.

Floor-to-ceiling windows on the garden side flood the interior with natural light. The expansive, sun-filled ground floor features a striking custom-fabricated double-wing steel loft door that seamlessly connects the kitchen and living spaces. The home achieves KfW 55 certification, meeting rigorous modern energy efficiency standards. A heat pump provides environmentally responsible climate control, while triple-glazed windows, a highly sealed building envelope, and automated ventilation complete the sustainability strategy.

Photography Credits:

Achim Volmer

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 03|22)