For the majority of home builders the lure of the countryside is founded in the desire of acquiring MORE – building bigger as a general mantra.
However, for a young Berlin couple seeking to build a first home, the limitations of their garden plot required them to take a drastically different approach. How can one relinquish space without relinquishing luxury and functionality? The philosophy of „living large, while living small“, required innovative design. The Berlin based firm 2D+ Architects were hired to provide a solution in maximizing quality while minimizing area. Their approach discarded the typical method of extracting unnecessary program and rather focused on designing an integrated home where all spatial potential was utilized as programmatic furnishing.
Literally described as a „Wohnmoebel“ or „living-furniture“ the distinction between architecture and furniture is blurred providing a house where elements are intelligently designed to serve multiple functions and thus allow for more luxury in a smaller footprint. The technique begins with the timber frame construction, which in itself is space saving through compressing the structure and insulation into one layer. Following through to the interiors, multi-functional elements such as a rotating fireplace which allows the terrace to be useable in winter and integrated cabinetry clad in white chalked oak give a sense of design and structure to the space while being performative.
The floor plan similarly follows a principle of maximizing space through compressing the program into two primary zones separated by a central spa bathroom block and utility corridor. One zone providing the private bedroom sphere and the other a luxurious open-living and dining space. All areas open out from both sides onto generous covered terraces expanding the living potential to the outdoors. Additionally, the all wood construction and reduced footprint add to its sustainable quality.
Material Used :
1. Ladenburger – Façade Cladding – Custom larch profiles
2. Dornbracht – Fittings Bathroom – Serie Gentle
3. Emilceramica – Ceramic Floor Tiles – Via Nr.21
4. Harrie Leenders – Fireplace – Model Stor
5. Ceasarstone – Kitchen Top – Pietras Grey
6. Deltalight – Recessed Spot Lights – Grid In-Line Trimless
7. Miele – Kitchen Equipment – various
8. Warema – Internal Sun Shading – Sun Shading / Blackout Blinds
