While the internet's ability to connect people across the globe is hardly novel, it takes on remarkable significance in this home's story. It's rare for a small Hamburg-based architecture firm to receive a commission from Singapore – yet that's precisely what happened here. A family based in Singapore discovered architect Beate Rottwinkel online and, planning their return to Germany, engaged her to design a new residence on a plot they already owned in Niendorf. From initial concept through design development, all discussions, coordination, and presentations occurred via video conference.

Building regulations determined the footprint for this project. The clients wanted a gable roof that would harmonize with the neighboring homes. The design responds with a contemporary interpretation of the classic settlement house. Along the street, the new building integrates itself modestly into the existing streetscape with its understated form. Yet the accented entrance, the corner-wrapping ribbon window on the ground floor, the slim vertical windows of the upper stories, and the striking brickwork clearly articulate a modern architectural language. At the rear, the house opens generously toward the garden through expansive glass walls—some spanning two full stories—creating a fluid dialogue between interior and exterior. Inside, brightness and transparency dominate, creating an intriguing contrast with the dark exterior shell. The house feels flooded with light and remarkably spacious. Even the staircase strips away materials to their essentials. Loft-inspired glass-and-steel doors, pristine white and pale surfaces throughout the walls, floors, and furnishings, a restrained color palette punctuated by deliberate touches of gold or natural wood—all support the open floor plan and give the house its airy, expansive character. This four-person home spans 226 m² of living space and achieves high standards in energy efficiency and sustainability. Constructed with solid masonry, it's equipped with a heat pump, a photovoltaic system with battery storage, and a mechanical ventilation system. The basement, engineered as a white tank due to high groundwater levels, can also be used as living space.

www.rottwinkel-architektur.de

Photography Credits:

Veronika Krebs
www.bluenika.de

(Featured in CUBE Hamburg 04|23)