Location: Germany Year of construction: 1994 Architects: Sir Norman Foster & Partners Associates: Ken Shuttleiuorth, Mark Braun. Dieter MiilUer. Rob Watson, Alison Ho/royd: Ove Arup & Partners. Boll and Partner Photography: Dennis Gilbert
The layout of the house extends over two interconnecting floors and gives access to the entrance level by means of an internal ramp that runs parallel to the retaining wall. Two exterior staircases flank the constructed space, providing the alternative accesses required by the plan – the one used for the staff quarters and the one directly connecting with the owners private den – linking together the various floors with the terrace on the lower level and the yard. A concrete foundation slab brings the volume of the house into contact with the natural earth.
A fundamental aspect of the composition of the house is the imposing metal canopy, supported by sections, taking in the whole of the building.
The first floor contains the shared areas of the house and the master bedroom, rooms that extend toward the outside terrace through the large glazed panels of the facade. The distribution of the shared areas was determined by the client’s layout requirements, which placed great emphasis on the kitchen and dining room areas.
The connections from all levels to the outside allow the children to gain direct access to the yard, and provide peaceful areas next to the parents’ den and a private entrance to the staff quarters. This assortment of interior and exterior passageways allows a rare feeling of community that, at the same time, respects the individual privacy of each of the inhabitants.
|
Bedroom area within the master suite, from which the staircase ascends to the den. Right-hand page: The double space over the dining room is emphasized by the vertical glazed face that follows the ramp as it descends. |
Previous pages:
The dining room opens onto the terrace, by sliding back the glazed faces on the facade.
A sloping corridor connects the different levels in the house with the main entrance.
The kitchen opens onto a doubleheight dining room.
A double space connects the small den on the top floor with the master bedroom.