In the German municipality of Felsberg, Hof & Hist by Modunita Architects is a collection of historic buildings enhanced and unified to accommodate two separate residence. Alongside a residential house, which is preserved in its entirely, the volume of an old hay barn on the property was retained, but extended in the same shape in the ridge direction. The body connecting these buildings is deconstructed with a simple wooden structure.
With the original residential building completely untouched, the old stone masonry and the existing roof structure of the barn were additional fundamental elements for preservation. Alongside this, supplemental exposed concrete, solid larch planks, dark wood boarding, and copper sheeting add a subtle new intervention. Fine vertical openings further serve to retain the barn-like appearance and authenticity of the existing fabric.
Divided into two floors, access to the former barn/now living space is via the street through the first floor, where a former gate is located. The entry floor accommodates a guest room with shower and wet room, a studio with cellar and a technical room. On the upper floor the living area of the building includes the kitchen and another room with bathroom and dressing room. Here, a covered terrace can be accessed for lounging.
The garden is central to the design with all three elements of Hof & Hist oriented towards it. The garden thus serves as an ideal place for residents of both houses to meet.
