Protection and Openness
Exposed concrete walls merge minimalist design, generous space, and thermal performance in this villa
An L-shaped volume embraces the terrace and pool while simultaneously opening toward the hillside. Its crisp façade alternates between transparent and opaque elements, creating a dynamic interplay. This new exposed concrete residence proves that raw concrete transcends structural necessity—it becomes a design statement in its own right. To realize this substantial villa with integrated guest quarters on the sloping site required demolishing the existing single-family home first. The clients commissioned werkplaner architekten from Offenbach to create a generous, sculptural form with contemporary spatial flow. Their vision encompassed exposed concrete surfaces, a basement apartment, visual continuity between garage and living spaces, and a swimming pool.
The load-bearing walls feature a thermo double-wall system that pairs exposed concrete with integrated insulation. The result is twofold: exceptional thermal performance and a pleasant interior climate, coupled with a refined, contemporary aesthetic that signals quality. The design challenge was considerable. The architects specified thermal elements typically found in industrial construction, requiring meticulous pre-detailing at every stage. As they explain: "The level of coordination was exceptionally high—once the shell was complete, no modifications were possible." Inside, flowing spaces dissolve traditional room boundaries, creating an expansive sense of openness and light. This disciplined restraint is reinforced by the soaring ground floor, with its floor-to-ceiling glazing and ceiling heights of 3.50 m (and 2.60 m in the basement), which brings airiness to the 492 m² of living space. The exposed concrete provides a robust structural presence, while warm wooden flooring introduces comfort and intimacy. Oversized tiles complete the bathrooms and wellness zones, grounding the refined palette.
The assertive architectural form orchestrates compelling sightlines and a carefully choreographed relationship between interior and exterior—residents naturally weave views of the surrounding landscape into daily living. The L-shaped footprint simultaneously shields the generous sun terrace and pool from external sight lines, preserving privacy. Access to the basement garage, accommodating two vehicles, flows through an elegantly glazed threshold. Small wonder the owners are elated: "We're thrilled with the outcome and grateful that the architects realized our vision for a home of this caliber with such dedication."
Photography:
Daniel Weiner
(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 03|24)

