RHA Roman Hutter Architektur . photos: © Markus Kaech
The client’s intention of constructing a wooden building required engaging with the material and developing a structure that was compatible with it. We decided in favour of a solid timber construction that would achieve the maximum possible living quality, while effortlessly fulfilling ecological and sustainability demands. The constructive principle based on cross-walls evokes images of classic Modernity.
Thus we developed the premise of building a house with cross-walls and purely structural openings: instead of cutting the windows out of the valuable wall material, they are positioned between the elements. The only solid parts are the concrete plinth and the staircase. In addition to accessing from the garage, pedestrians can enter the building using a naturally lit passage leading directly to the stairs. A small fountain beneath the stairwell welcomes residents as they come home. Above the plinth, three storeys made of stacked wood accommodate a total of five apartments.
The diverse variety of apartments on offer guarantees a mix of residents, ensuring a vibrant, liveable building. Although the context has a rather mural appearance, timber has long regained its self-confidence as a construction material, as will also be the case at Rothusweg. To conform to the type of a suburban villa, some building elements received a colour design. Overall, however, the house is aimed at reserved and calm integration into the environment.
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