Three Roofs, One Vision
Living, working, and displaying art under one roof – a family home with an indoor pool
Three roofs for one family home? At first glance, it seems an unconventional choice. Yet these three adjoining gabled houses tell a deliberate story: they separate distinct functional areas while keeping them seamlessly connected. And that's exactly the point. Both owners work as freelancers and needed dedicated workspace—the owner, a photographer, required an exhibition area in particular. Herzog + Herzog Architects' ingenious design, with its three independent entrances, creates the perfect balance: a family of five can live, work, and create without compromising anyone's focus or peace of mind.
Honoring the village's architectural heritage while meeting the home's complex functional needs proved challenging—until the architects found their solution. By organizing the footprint into one substantial central gable flanked by two smaller ones, they created visual harmony with the surrounding landscape. The black timber cladding echoes the rural vernacular, while the expansive south-facing glazing frames uninterrupted views toward the historic city skyline and the river valley beyond.
At the heart of the home, a central living area provides the family with a private retreat while giving the children ample space to play. This zone thoughtfully separates the adjacent indoor pool from a bright, generous photography studio. The client—a professional photographer—works undisturbed in her separate office, complete with a slightly recessed terrace that keeps her workspace close yet private. The ground floor was strategically elevated to frame views across the flood barrier toward the Neckar River, while simultaneously simplifying the excavation work required for the indoor pool below. Iso Gesellschaft für Isolier- und Feuchtraumtechnik from Offenau handled the pool's technical execution. Specialized interior insulation and a vapor barrier create an energy-efficient space while protecting the adjoining sections of the home from the intense moisture exposure the pool presents.
Photography Credits:
David Franck
www.davidfranck.de
(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 01|24)
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