Set within an expansive landscaped garden near Pforzheim, the Portus House emerges as a carefully composed interplay of architecture, outdoor space, and lifestyle. The homeowner had envisioned for years a residence that would seamlessly unite beauty, everyday functionality, and lasting quality. Upon finally discovering the ideal site, he commissioned architect Alexander Brenner, whose iconic residential architecture he had long admired.

From the outset, the homeowner and architect shared a clear vision for the project: to create a comfortable home that enables refined living without unnecessary complexity in daily use. Spatial generosity, functional clarity, and understated elegance would yield an architecture built on enduring quality. The design responds precisely to the site's characteristics. To minimize the street-facing entrance zone while creating a garden-like space to the south and west, the house was positioned on the northeast side. Toward the street, the building presents a nearly closed facade thanks to its extended garage structure. Behind this restrained elevation, the garden unfolds with a pool and multiple terraces—a private sanctuary completely shielded from outside view. The architecture opens toward the expansive garden through deeply cantilevered roofs and floor-to-ceiling glazing. Since the landscape design was also conceived by the architect, the house and garden read as a unified whole. Strategic grading and carefully placed groupings of trees, hedges, and plantings created an outdoor space that screens out distant neighbor properties. The main floor unfolds as a flowing spatial continuum, with a generous hall leading into an open kitchen and dining area that opens directly onto the terrace with pool. The adjoining living room with an open fireplace forms the home's quieter heart. The interplay between open and defined spaces creates a nuanced spatial narrative throughout the floor plan. As the homeowners relish outdoor living, multiple terrace zones were designed. Covered, wind-protected areas—some with outdoor fireplaces and curtains—enable extended outdoor enjoyment even during inclement weather. Other terraces, such as by the pool, are deliberately oriented toward full sun. Authenticity and durability guided all material selections. Given the owner's professional eye for quality, only genuine, long-lasting materials were employed. The bathrooms feature Kirchheim shell limestone, whose restrained tone corresponds with the oak flooring. The exterior materials echo this palette, creating a soft transition between interior and exterior. From washbasins through doors to wall cladding—all built-ins were custom-designed by the architect for this specific house. Central to the design concept is what Alexander Brenner calls "warm minimalism": clear proportions, restrained colors, and carefully calibrated materials create an atmosphere radiating tranquility and livability, free from fleeting trends. Thoughtful design consistency rather than quick-changing fashions defines the architecture. For the homeowners, this house has made a cherished dream a reality. With a wink, they note the residence has one considerable drawback: since moving in, they travel far less frequently. Simply because they find comparable peace and quality of life nowhere else quite like in their own private paradise.

www.alexanderbrenner.de

Photos:
Zooey Braun
www.zooeybraun.de

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 01|26)