After two centuries, a traditional farmhouse nestled beside a small pond near Lake Starnberg has been given new life through thoughtful modernization. The new owners—a blended family—were captivated by its picturesque setting, despite the building's deteriorated state. What began as a modest renovation quickly evolved into something far more ambitious. When the owners brought in architect Sebastian Wiedemann and his firm swa.studio, his expertise revealed the true scope of the project. Wiedemann, known for his work revitalizing rural buildings in the Munich region, identified a critical first step: dismantling a poorly executed structural intervention from the 1980s. Only then could the building's true potential emerge.

The transformation is remarkable: the farmhouse, barn, chicken coop, and unused spaces have become a sophisticated two-story residence with a fully realized attic. The project was recently recognized in the prestigious "Houses of the Year 2020" list. The guiding principle was clear—preserve what was beautiful about the original structure while maintaining its quiet, understated character. The ground floor opens into a flowing living space: living area, dining room, and kitchen (now occupying the former chicken coop) merge into one unified zone. A slim, linear kitchen counter features natural stone countertops and a sleek milled sink, with tin-plate cladding on the cabinetry. A multipurpose room bridges the house and barn, separated by an elegant steel-and-glass partition. A modern steel stairway connects this space to the attic level. The renovated upper floor contains the private master suite—and its crown jewel: an open ensuite bathroom connected to the bedroom. Its seamless surfaces are finished in tadelakt, a traditional waterproof lime plaster. Beyond lies the generous bedroom, anchored by exposed timber beams and visually expansive thanks to a striking blue-green ceiling that transforms the entire atmosphere. Every detail reflects a commitment to traditional techniques, natural materials, and honest craftsmanship. "This approach allows us to speak a contemporary architectural language while remaining true to the building's essence—both structurally and aesthetically," Wiedemann explains.

www.swa.studio

Photography Credits:

Sorin Morar
www.sorinmorar.de

(Published in CUBE Munich 01|21)