The property is located on the outskirts of a small village in Germany, at the forest's edge with a view over the valley. An existing house from the 1960s already stands on the large plot. The new building, situated in the second row, is discreetly hidden, becoming even more a part of the natural surroundings. The old house will be renovated, and together the two buildings will form an ensemble in the future.

With the new building, we wanted to create a simple and sustainable structure with a strong connection to the surrounding nature, where the indoors and outdoors blend seamlessly. It was designed for two people, with a guest room and a study (which can double as a second guest room). In the future, the house should also comfortably accommodate a small family of four. The kitchen plays a central role—inviting, open, with a view over the valley, and truly the heart of the home. All living areas are on one level, with minimal traffic areas and plenty of hidden storage space. The overall design is timeless, minimalist, and organized, with a warm and natural atmosphere.

A compact volume with a wrap-around terrace has been created. The standout feature is the large roof (with a 3° slope matching that of the existing house), which extends precisely to the terrace's edge. To the east, facing the valley, is the largest overhang, offering a magnificent view over the landscape. Due to the sloping site, the living spaces rest atop a smaller structure, which serves as a technical room and basement.

The living space covers approximately 130 m², all on one level. The layout clearly distinguishes between private and public areas. The guest room and guest bath form one unit, while the bedroom, bathroom, and study form another. The remaining open space under the roof is a free-flowing living area. The study can be integrated into the living space by sliding open a large door. Large floor-to-ceiling windows allow access to the terrace from all rooms. Spacious built-in closets double as a wardrobe and kitchen storage, creating ample hidden storage space.

The house is a timber frame construction on strip foundations, with a small basement supporting the house on the valley side. The exterior walls are insulated with cellulose, covered with wood fiberboard, gypsum fiberboard, and a rough plaster finish. The roof is made of cross-laminated timber with 40 cm glulam beams. The terrace is a steel structure with wooden decking.

The interior consists of:

Sealed exposed concrete screed floors
Oiled wood ceilings and beams
Walls finished with clay plaster
Tatami mats used as flooring
The boundaries between inside and outside dissolve. As the seasons change, the house transforms. In the summer, the terrace becomes an additional living space, the sliding door to the study remains open, and light and air flow in from all directions. The open, visible materials create warmth, a natural feel, and a touch of Zen. Both inside and outside, the materials are designed to change with time, enhancing the house's harmony with nature and allowing it to blend even more seamlessly into its surroundings.