Object+Product: »Vista House« in Stuttgart
With its location in a basin, Stuttgart offers an enormous advantage from an architectural perspective – the hillsides provide spectacular views of the city and the surrounding area. Owning and being able to develop such a property is a stroke of luck. The Stuttgart-based architectural firm Alexander Brenner Architekten completed the commission for just such an exquisite private residence in 2012. For the so-called "Vista House," the architect made views and retreats the defining themes of the design. The 1,550 m² hillside plot in northern Stuttgart is accessed via a cul-de-sac at its southern end. A sandstone wall defines its outer boundary. Access is only possible via the garage door integrated into a wood-clad recess or through a black concrete sculpture, a polished wall that leads onto the property. A narrow, curved path leads to the rear entrance of the sculptural building. To the east and west, the angled building sets itself apart from the neighboring structures, while simultaneously creating an intimate courtyard for the terrace and swimming pool. Heated by a solar system, the pool can be used almost year-round. Thanks to the hillside location, impressive views of the valley unfold from here, and the facades behind it skillfully frame the panorama with floor-to-ceiling and multi-storey glazing. This impression is further enhanced by the wide, projecting roof slabs, which also serve as sunshades for the south-facing house. The aerated concrete construction of the facades also contributes to a pleasant indoor climate. An open, inviting interior design was one of the clients' key requirements for their new home. Alexander Brenner achieved this goal through the skillful integration of walls, partition walls, and additional space-defining elements, such as floor-to-ceiling doors and built-in wardrobes. This creates spacious, expansive rooms within the house, as well as private retreats – all connected by diverse visual relationships. High-quality materials further define the ambiance. The living area on the garden level, with its workspace, library, piano, and fireplace, is more introverted and decorated in warm, rich colours. In contrast, the upper living level, accessed via a straight staircase in the two-storey atrium, is bright and flooded with light. White is the dominant colour, providing a neutral backdrop for the large-format artworks. The dark bog oak flooring, which connects the rooms, creates a striking contrast.
