Unobstructed vistas across nature and the Danube Valley, framed by magnificent mature oaks—this exceptional setting inspired a family of four to build their dream home, where the concept of "beneath the oaks" threads through both architecture and interior design. Rather than renovate the existing structure, the owners opted for a fresh start: demolition and new construction offered the flexibility they needed for their ideal spatial layout. On this sloping site, Brandl Architekten from Regensburg designed a three-level residence defined by refined proportions and a clear formal vocabulary. When the development plan ruled out a flat roof, the architects ingeniously responded with an exceptionally shallow pitched roof—a sophisticated compromise that respects regulations without sacrificing vision. The street-facing facade reads as deliberately reserved, while the garden elevation opens generously to nature, creating a seamless flow between interior and landscape. This connection becomes tangible on the ground floor, where expansive glazing frames the open-plan living and kitchen spaces, offering direct garden access. Beyond these generous social areas, the ground floor accommodates a double garage, covered entry zones, and a cloakroom. Descending to the garden level, a cleverly concealed "garden pavilion" nestles beneath the terrace—housing two children's rooms, a children's bath, a play zone, and technical/utility spaces. Its entrance, disguised by a hand-charred Yakisugi-style facade, reveals the designers' attention to detail. The ancient oaks themselves emerge as the project's guiding principle, informing every aesthetic decision. Most striking from the street: custom-fabricated garage doors and entry gates clad in perforated metal bearing oak-leaf patterns. Each opening hand-drilled into the metal sheets forms an intricate leaf design, subtly anchoring the "beneath the oaks" narrative. This visual language extends to the facade, where sand-finished plaster—applied vertically—echoes the texture of oak timber. Inside, this material language deepens: wood floors and built-ins create warmth and tactility throughout. The individually designed cabinetry with timber-slat fronts, combined with the bespoke kitchen in rough-sawn, black-stained oak, and accents of blackened steel, create a carefully orchestrated material palette that feels unified in every detail. The stairwell—punctuated with village views—becomes a vertical spine, binding all three levels. To the south, a cantilevered roof terrace provides summer shade while inviting winter light deep into the living spaces. The upper floor contains bedrooms, guest quarters, a dressing room, and a sauna-equipped bathroom—each strategically positioned to frame the ancient oaks. The main bath itself capitalizes on expansive glazing to capture sweeping Danube Valley views while remaining entirely shielded from neighboring eyes, thanks to the hillside topography and terrace placement. Environmental performance is seamlessly integrated: a heat pump paired with controlled mechanical ventilation maintains comfort, while the home's thermal mass and natural materials regulate interior climate passively. A comprehensive smart-home system manages all lighting and technical functions with elegant ease.

www.brandl-architekten.de

Photography:
Herbert Stolz
www.herbert-stolz.de

(Published in CUBE Munich 04|24)