k_m architektur: house heilbronn in germany

‘house heilbronn’ by k_m architektur, germanyimage © hagen stier

a three-storey single family home, ‘house heilbronn’ designed by k_m architektur is situated on a slope at the edge of a forest on the outskirts of the northern german town after which it is named. a walkway leads up to the entrance of the south facing dwelling that employs concrete, glass, copper and larch as its main structural materials. apart from the components which establish contact with the ground, the rest of the house is constructed out of wood.

the dwelling is built into a slope on the outskirts of heilbronnimage © hagen stier

the floating mass is composed of overhanging parts found on the upper volume which also double function as shelter over the main entry. to the right there is a garage and storage room; and to the left one finds a guest room, complete with toilet and shower, as well as a fitness room. both of these spaces are entirely surrounded with terraces next to the garden.

the floating structure is composed of overhanging parts as seen from the front of the homeimage © hagen stier

the ground floor hallway is equipped with a large wardrobe and an open stairway which leads up into the main living space – an open-plan cooking and eating area, wrapped by a balcony which extends the interior space outwards, giving an impression of openness and width. the protruding portions of the upper roof offer overhead protection to the balcony as well as providing shade as a means of safeguarding the house from excessive solar gain in the summertime. during the winter months, sunshine becomes a passive source of energy. on the north side of the home, there is a guest toilet, utility room and a storage room next to the kitchen.

image © hagen stier

the stairway continues upwards to the third floor of the dwelling where the master bedroom, bathroom and dressing room are located. glazing extending the entire height of the room enhances the seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors, along with the airy atmosphere of interior with panoramic views out over the natural scenery. façade and roof of this volume are clad in copper, while the rest of the building is clad with larch. the house’s design takes into consideration sustainability, seen in the ecological materials and choices such as a solar hot-water-system, geo-thermal heating and stove in the living area, and full-height glazing on all of the windows.

the first and second volumes of the home are clad in larchimage © hagen stier