Hausfuchs

Newbuild of a two-family home (duplex) with two double garages

Location: 85598 Baldham, near Munich

Year: 2016 - 2018

Team IFUB*: Bernhard Kurz, Johannes Krohne, Marco Bross, Moritz Penker

In collaboration with: Aicher Projekt GmbH & Co. KG. and Aicher Holzbau GmbH & Co. KG. (construction planning, structural engineering, thermal insulation, fire prevention, execution)

Client: private

Munich is growing. Rapid developments are noticeable even in the suburbs where the process of infill is met with the challenge of retaining local quality and living standards. In the project Hausfuchs, one plot was divided into two and the existing single-family home replaced with a two-family duplex. True to the maxim

one plot, two houses, four roofs,

integration into the existing local architecture was achieved with the saddle roofs. By simply placing the houses transversely to the road, an exciting and unusual composition was achieved that clearly defines the approach to both properties.

Two simple design measures lend the semi-detached houses a special character: first, the untreated

larch cladding

was laid diagonally to alternate with the pitches of the roofs; second, the unavoidable drainpipes were turned into a design feature, and together with the sheet metal roof and skirting, frame the house with a delicate, bright outline.

With its simple form and saddle roof, each individual facade plays with the image of the "classic house." The shade offered by

fabric awnings

enhances the homely character. The clients from each property chose their own uniform colors for the front door and awnings: at the east property a dark red, at the west property dark grey.

With its all-timber construction, the

low-energy building

complies to the most stringent ecological building regulations. In addition to being highly energy efficient, it is particularly worth mentioning the complete absence of membranes in the walls and the preference for wood as a construction material throughout. Further advantages of the timber construction are space efficiency and comfort: due to the thin walls, more living space remains and every square meter is well tempered and ventilated. This was already apparent during the short construction phase, during which the pleasant smell of wood conveyed a general sense of well-being long before the clients moved in.

Built in the 1950s,

the old house with the fox

was well known in the area because of its decorative ornament, but unfortunately the building was in such bad condition that it was not worth preserving and had to be demolished. The fox, however, was saved.

The steel frame extends into the kitchen and entrance area, and integrates some of the owners existing and

much loved pieces of furniture.

Even the refrigerator has been integrated. Above the passage to the entrance area is the bridge between the upper floor and the garage roof.

The

staircase boxes

hide not only small, lovingly designed details, but also an ever-replenishing lemon fountain.

The large

window to sit

on the ground floor provides a full view of the old oak tree. Here, hanging around is highly encouraged!

Sometimes, the most unusual view is also

the most beautiful view.

Those who lie on the floor of the master bathroom and gaze toward the ceiling have not only a view into the heavens, but also right into the "Red Rocket" shower niche.

The favorite color of the client was immortalized in the handmade, dark-red glazed

craquelure tiles

in the shower of the master bathroom.

The craquelure tiles were also used in the guest bathroom on the ground floor. The green shower niche was accordingly christened

green inferno.

As similar as the two houses may be from the outside, on the inside they are individually adapted to their owners. That being said, the west house also develops completely around the

central staircase.

Airy and open, it separates the living room from the dining area. Together with the herringbone parquet in oak and the sound absorbing spruce ceiling, a completely different impression is created here, however, to that of the east house.

The kitchen in the west house is also designed as an

open living space,

complete with a kitchen island. The owners themselves chose the super-matt dark blue of this island unit, defining it as the central element and leaving the rest of the kitchen to form the background. Individual open elements made of oak relax the minimal look and pick up on the materiality of the floor.

The window frames in the west house are subtly tinted white. Here, there are also cosy windows to sit in, too. One of the most beautiful rooms in the whole house is the

children's room.

The varying levels of the windows create different perspectives and dynamic lighting, in a room with an otherwise normal layout. And round she goes!

The staircase in the west house ends one floor higher than in the east house, in

the bright loft.