House R, Albstadt (DE)
New building
Client: PrivateLocation: D-72459 Albstadt, MargrethausenArchitecture: Dietrich Untertrifaller Construction: 2019 – 2020Surface area: 190 m²Programme: Single-family house made of wood with gable-high glazing
Photos: David Matthiessen
Team
Cristiana Fumagalli, Felix Kruck (Project management)
Text: Gerlinde Jüttner
Partners
Static timber: Merz Kley Partner, Dornbirn
Building services: Glombitza Mutschler, Albstadt
Electrics: Elektro Hagg, Albstadt
Timber construction & interior fittings: Kaufmann Zimmerei, Reuthe
Awards
- Häuser Award, Award
- The Plan Award, Finalist
Glass gabled house on the hill
The tranquil village of Margrethausen, a district of Albstadt, is nestled in the gently rolling hills of the Swabian Alb. The hillside plot on the edge of the village next to the mighty monastery offers an unobstructed view to the south over meadows and forests. This special location prompted us to glaze the entire south side of the pitched roof house right up to the gable.
A key aim of the design was to use future-orientated, sustainable materials and to integrate the building harmoniously into its surroundings. With the exception of the sections in contact with the ground, the house was built as a timber construction. The sloping storey is made of exposed concrete. Both sides of the living area are framed by covered terraces. A simple metal staircase leads to the garden.
On the south side and in front of the large bathroom window, vertical wooden slats provide privacy and sun protection without compromising the transparency of the façade design. In the centre, a free-standing exposed concrete table extends the area and also covers the entrance. The cantilevered pitched roof shades and protects the outdoor living space and the small balcony in front of the gallery.
A recess on the north side marks the covered entrance to the house and the entrance to the garage.
High living space with gallery
The private rooms are orientated towards the north-east on the valley side, while the living area with its glass front opens to the south-west. A gallery suspended from the roof provides space for a workroom and creates a double-height room in the living area that extends under the gable in places.
Exposed concrete, wood and glass characterise the entire design of the house inside and out. The walls and ceilings are largely made of silver fir, the floors of ash. The gable-height glazing facing the garden extends the living space outwards.
The air space allows daylight to flood into the entrance hall on the ground floor and visually connects the different levels of the house. The vertical room-to-room circulation has eliminated the need for corridors, thus maximising the living space. The result is a very personalised living profile and a spacious, flowing feeling of space.
