Kronberg Castle is one of the few remaining medieval castles in the region. Anyone living in Kronberg would naturally like to enjoy a view of this important sight in the town, if possible. Architect Wolfgang Ott from Kronberg realized this wish of his clients. However, the new home should also offer views of the nearby valley and the old sequoia tree standing on the narrow plot.

In order to create all the visual references, the architects designed a longitudinally aligned building with a head-end structure that rises from the first floor, extends towards the castle like a tube and focuses on it with its fully glazed front side. Inside, the pitched roof of this "tube" directs the view from the living area through the upper floor to the castle tower, which is illuminated at night, and allows this view both from the kitchen through the inner courtyard via its green roof area and from the bedroom through the air space of the dining area. In order to incorporate the old sequoia tree, the wall sections of the two building volumes were placed at a slight angle so that they form an opposite direction in the floor plan to the head building, which curves towards the castle. This resulted in the two-storey entrance building with a basement and the soaring head building with an inner courtyard and a narrow corridor connecting the two parts of the building. The inner courtyard as the hinge of the building is also the center of the outdoor area. It accommodates part of the spacious natural stone terrace, houses the old sequoia tree and ends at the seating pool with its adjoining bench.

An eye-catching feature is the skin made of specially manufactured conical aluminum slats that envelops the sculptural new building. The different orientation of the slats not only creates a lively, iridescent façade - this translucent skin also covers some of the window openings, protecting the residents from prying eyes. Integrated light gaps along the façades trace the shape of the building on the ground and at the roof overhangs and connect the two structures.

On the first floor of the main structure, the subordinate ancillary rooms of the house are located in a functional block clad with foamed aluminum panels. The kitchen is also integrated into this, with its cooking block facing the two-storey, airy dining area. The private area with dressing room, bathroom and sauna is located on the upper floor. The living area and the think tank, which is separated by an exposed concrete wall and glazed on three sides, are located on the first floor of the head-end building. The work area is located on the upper floor.

Two opposite staircases, which are connected by an inviting bench, lead to the respective upper floors. In the rooms, all furniture and fittings are subordinate to the clear overall concept and complement the effect of the architecture. For example, the doors integrated flush into the cladding, the designed door handles and fittings. Hinged, felt-covered slats can be closed or provide a view from the bedroom through the air space to the castle tower. Cushion-shaped, load-bearing concrete elements serve as decoration and back wall in the bedroom.

The outdoor area is interlocked with the building in a variety of ways. The entrance pavilion, carport and fireplace consistently continue the design of the residential building. Natural stone paving and slabs as well as stepping stone surfaces define the respective zones. Natural stone walls form a level to free up the building structure. The consistent use of natural stone with various surface treatments in combination with bound gravel surfaces creates an elegant and uniform appearance.

www.ott-line.com

Photos:

Timon Ott
www.timonott.com

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 02|22)