House at a Lake in Kaufbeuren

At the edge of a small nature reserve on a gently sloping, southerly site lies a domicile with a panoramic view of the mountains. This reinforced-concrete, cross-wall construction dating to the 1960s – which originally housed separate units arranged linearly – is now a spacious residence for one family. The building’s massing was altered only minimally; its contours, however, became considerably sharper. The anthracite-toned slate veneer gives the house an archaic – almost sculptural – quality. The roof and facade possess the same materiality. The solar panels in the south complement the homogeneous appearance. The front court, with its protected entry and covered carport, is also clad in the same dark stone. On the side sloping down and away from the house, an atrium garden and accompanying water basin, as well as a gravel garden, enhance the outdoor space. The new interior spatial organisation respects that of the original structure. For the large living spaces the structure was opened up, but still remains legible in the apartments for the children and the guests. A loggia zone fronts the residence, framing the view to the south and providing wind and sun protection for the extensive glazing. White rendering and dark walnut harmonise with the slate surfaces; glazed aluminium sliding-elements separate the bathroom from dressing room and storage space. A skylight extends along the entire length of the house and provides daylight to the internal hall zone. The energy-technology concept specified thermal collectors, with a surface area of 40 square metres, which feed into an interim storage system for non-potable water and heating. Linked to the system are five water-tanks for thermal-mass storage, situated in the former outdoor circulation-space; the warmth they provide is channelled into the house. Heat-pipes are integrated in the floors and ceilings. The photovoltaic system – formidable at 120 square metres – produces more electricity than is required for this energy-efficient house; the municipal system profits from the surplus.