Seeking refuge from the urban grind, a family of former winter athletes from Aubing decided it was time for a change. The mountains called – and after an extensive search, they found their answer: a heritage home nestled in Schliersee. Fortune favored them: they already had an established relationship with architect Robert Maier from their previous Munich residence. They engaged his firm once more to envision what would become far more than a simple renovation – a comprehensive transformation that would modernize every aspect of the home while honoring its character.

Building codes required the home to maintain its rural character and blend seamlessly with the established neighborhood. Yet the renovation was anything but subtle. The façades, roof, and entire interior were reimagined from the ground up. The cramped ground floor gave way to an expansive kitchen, dining, and living space. Sloped walls upstairs were straightened, and the gutted attic – with its southern exposure and lake views – became the perfect spot for a home office. Local timber was a priority: pine and spruce paired with exposed concrete and steel bring traditional elements into contemporary dialogue. A small granite forecourt welcomes visitors at the street entrance, while the sloped rear garden creates distinct functional zones.

The home's defining feature is its striking façade of carved vertical wood boards with varied profiles. These both shade the windows behind and deliberately echo the agricultural barn architecture characteristic of the pre-Alpine region. The rest of the structure is wrapped in rough-sawn wooden slats, maintaining the same understated, sheltered aesthetic – much like a traditional mountain barn.

www.rm-architekten.com

(Published in CUBE Munich 04|20)