Philipp Architekten BDA // Anna Philipp

Insights, outlooks, breakthroughs

Invisible from the outside, the ascetically reduced architecture gains dynamics and lightness through the play of differently shaped and prominently placed opening elements. House and garage form an asymmetric ensemble. Due to the departed arrangement of the two volumes a private interspace is created, an austere-looking yard, which is spanned by a large lawn.

Due to the various openings with their different insights and views, a charming play of light and shadow is created. This transparency enables to always experience the house in a new way. Transparency as a guiding principle in the private sphere is in contrast to the protective, secluded shell of high concrete walls. Only at one point, the homogenous closed facade facing the street is cut through: Two tall, narrow and secluded windows in the top level, similar to the loopholes of medieval castles, enable the residents to look at everything and everyone who comes near their home.

Apart from privacy, life in a loft was the second biggest wish of the clients. The in parts up to 6 meters high living areas on the ground floor are joined through filigree staircases. Transparent furniture designs, satined glass elements and reflective concrete floors serve to underline the expanse and generosity of the concept of space. A monochrome color scheme underlines the simple composition of building structures and spaces. Pure white and pure concrete give the maximum importance and power of expression to the architecture.

A technical challenge were the high, wide-ranging areas. A matter of course in the steel and concrete construction, but not in the wood panel construction. A building made of almost 100% wood was the target. An innovative wall construction consisting of 99% wood made it possible. The common wall insulation consisting of cellulose was replaced by an insulating board made of wood fiber. Thanks to it, all the benefits of natural building material can now be used “in a flexible way”. Energy costs are further reduced. In summer, the heat stays outside. The better sound insulation provides even more peace in the house. Add to this the natural sorption capacity. No competing building material is produced and implemented with as little energy use and thus low environmental impact as wood.

In 2008 the house was awarded the prestigious German house prize "golden cube". The award was justified with the design at the "highest level of German perfection". From a design point of view, the building was "a lesson for the composition of space and shape.