House X, Nürnberg

  • task:
  • residential house for a family of five in Nürnberg
  • client:
  • private
  • procedure type:
  • competition for realization 2004, invited, 1st prize
  • size:
  • 260 sqm
  • completion:
  • 2005
  • technical planner:
  • Dr. Kreutz und Partner (structural engineering)
  • photos:
  • Myrzik und Jarisch, Munich
  • rewards:
  • Architekturpreis der Stadt Nürnberg 2007 | Auszeichnung guter Bauten in Franken 2006 |
  • This home for a family of five is located on the border between the park and the city. This interface is the starting point for the home’s conception. A green landscape envelopes the building structure. A courtyard with cobblestone for the entrance, one with a water basin, and the central courtyard with folding doors structure the building and create privacy to the surrounding public walkways.

    The building is a massive construction, with high windows to bring in natural light. However, a distinctive outer shell consisting of spaced, vertical larch tree rods serves multiple purposes. The shell provides a trellis for plants spaced around the house. Rods and plants together form a semi-transparent privacy shield which creates special views to the outdoors and sufficient light inside.

    Matt and glossy white surfaces, the ground screed, and the colored interior fittings stand in contrast to the enclosed wooden deck of the extended living space.