Engaging Geometry of a Private House in Germany

Impressive residence by Steimle Architekten studio is located on a quiet street in the village of Plitzhausen, 30 kilometers south of Stuttgart.

Upon entering the dwelling and delving deep into its concrete mass, one can reach a winter garden. From here, a single-flight staircase leads to the living level. The narrow and high entrance hall invades the open space, bounded by the shape of the roof: as you move through the house, narrowing and widening, restriction and openness engage in an exciting, constantly changing dialogue. Window openings horizontally embedded into the 50-centimeter-thick concrete shell create a framing of whimsical landscape. All rooms in the house relate to its crystalline form: trapezoidal wall layout forms a variety of new spatial relationships, thanks to upward-sloping ceiling surfaces. Separate children's and parents' rooms are located next to the common area, dividing the floor into a kitchen zone and dining area.

In this solid minimalism, insulating concrete serves as a monochromatic massive shell defining the essence of the house both inside and out.

Photos: Brigida Gonzalez