black charred timber cladding envelops twin houses with one pillar

twin gabled houses replace 1950s single-family house in Söcking

Houses with One Pillar is a residential project by Buero Wagner located in Söcking near Lake Starnberg, approximately 20 km from Munich. The site, originally developed in the 1950s, consisted of a low-quality single-family house on a 1,000 sqm plot. As part of a broader urban development initiative to promote densification, the project replaces the existing structure with two new dwellings designed for multigenerational use, without expanding the site footprint.

Following a material assessment of the original structure, demolition was chosen over reuse due to poor construction quality and the building’s central placement on the site. Demolition materials were sorted and processed on site for reuse. The new design introduces two houses positioned parallel to the street along their gable ends. A slight setback creates a transitional garden zone that opens up interaction with the surrounding neighborhood. Entrance areas are covered by large canopies and connected to private rear gardens via intermediate zones defined by the canopies and adjacent garages.

a setback implements communication with the neighborhood | all images by Kim Fohmann

black charred timber clads the facade of Houses with one Pillar

Internally, the design team at Buero Wagner separates layout’s functions by orientation: kitchens face the street to promote connection with the neighborhood, while living rooms open toward the garden side for privacy. Upper levels accommodate bedrooms and workspaces. The facade features black charred timber cladding, with board lengths determining vertical offsets. The cladding technique draws from local barn construction practices and helps prevent moisture retention. Windows for private rooms are recessed into vertical slits, providing privacy. Circular segment openings offer street-facing views and allow visual access to the treetops.

While the two houses are externally similar, their interior configurations respond to the distinct needs of their occupants. Each house has a compact floor area of approximately 90 sqm. Due to height limitations on the ground and attic floors, basements were incorporated to house technical and storage spaces. The primary living space on the first floor is a single open room supported by a central column. Functional zones are delineated by floor and ceiling level shifts. A wooden utility core at the rear houses the entrance, WC, and kitchen. A large window visually extends the interior into the garden.

walls covered with charred wooden formwork

Material visibility defines Buero Wagner’s design approach

Some structural elements in the Houses with One Pillar project also serve as furniture. A concrete kitchen countertop is integrated into the central column. Built-in features such as kitchen units and wardrobes are constructed from oak. Stair landings made of oak double as storage compartments. Additional elements, including railings, cantilevered steps, and the fireplace, are fabricated from raw oiled steel and custom-designed for the project.

The basement and partially underground first floor are built from solid concrete. Surfaces were sandblasted or sanded to produce a refined texture. The upper floor uses solid wood construction aligned with regional typologies, contributing to a smaller-scale spatial experience. Insulation throughout the exterior walls and roof consists of bio-based materials. The facade cladding uses charred timber, which naturally protects against weather and insects without requiring chemical treatments. Material visibility is central to the design. Concrete and solid wood structural elements remain exposed. Flooring is monolithic, without additional coverings. Heating is provided through an air heat pump, supported by a photovoltaic system and concrete core activation for thermal efficiency.

large circular segment-shaped openings in the facade