House Am Feuerbachl: Interior Design Meets Nature

Unique Design Concept

The “House Am Feuerbachl” project presents an architectural model that embodies the idea of a “house within a house,” where the structure is divided into clear and independent units. This division is not merely a structural detail; it reflects the architect’s vision of creating diverse functional spaces that meet daily life needs in a flexible manner.

Harmony with Nature

One of the most prominent features of this design is its integration with the surrounding nature. Traditional elements, such as pitched roofs, have been seamlessly incorporated, contributing to an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and imparting a warm and lively character to both interior and exterior spaces.

Dynamic Spatial Arrangement

The spatial layout of the project reflects a clear sense of dynamism. The independent units provide sufficient privacy, while the spaces remain visually interconnected, enhancing the living experience and allowing residents to engage with their environment in a balanced and harmonious way.

Wide angle exterior of a minimalist house with a large green lawn and mountains in the background. — The architecture is designed to provide panoramic views of the Fire Creek area while maintaining a low profile in the landscape. (Courtesy of HE und DU ZT GmbH)

Architectural floor plan of House Am Feuerbachl showing the layout of the ground floor and surrounding site. — The technical floor plan illustrates the seamless flow between the living areas and the outdoor landscape. (Courtesy of HE und DU ZT GmbH)

Overcoming Site Challenges

The project faced the challenge of a small creek running through the plot. However, the design leveraged this natural element to its advantage by incorporating a small bridge that adds an aesthetic dimension and transforms the obstacle into a visually appealing feature.

Commitment to Sustainable Construction

Furthermore, sustainable building techniques and materials were carefully selected to enhance harmony with the surrounding natural environment. This approach not only conserves resources but also enriches the residents’ experience, allowing them to feel a continuous connection with the landscapes surrounding the house.

Dining area with a long wooden table and bench seating, featuring a large window overlooking a forest in House Am Feuerbachl. — The dining space is designed to blur the boundaries between the interior and the surrounding lush greenery through expansive glazing. (Courtesy of HE und DU ZT GmbH)

Custom-built light wood storage wall with integrated bookshelf and sliding panel in the minimalist interior of House Am Feuerbachl. — A floor-to-ceiling wooden storage unit serves as a functional core while maintaining the home’s minimalist aesthetic. (Courtesy of HE und DU ZT GmbH)

Spatial Layout and Functions

The arrangement of spaces within House Am Feuerbachl highlights the design’s ability to create an inviting and resident-friendly living environment. The distinct volumes clearly delineate areas, making it easy to differentiate between various functions, while maintaining a sense of openness and flow throughout the spaces.

Pitched Roofs and Their Role in the Design

The pitched roofs serve a dual purpose: they add an architectural elegance while contributing to the formation of unique interior spaces with a distinctive character. This variety in spatial design enhances the home’s appeal and increases its livability in a comfortable and flexible manner.

Interior view looking toward a glass door and an upper mezzanine level with a piano in House Am Feuerbachl. — The open-plan design creates internal vistas, such as this view toward the music mezzanine and the garden beyond. (Courtesy of HE und DU ZT GmbH)

Modern hallway with high vaulted ceilings, skylight, and track lighting in a contemporary minimalist house. — Natural light floods the upper-level corridor through strategically placed skylights, enhancing the sense of vertical space. (Courtesy of HE und DU ZT GmbH)

Architectural cross-section of House Am Feuerbachl showing multiple levels and the sloping site. — An architectural section demonstrating how the house responds to the natural slope of the land through varying floor levels. (Courtesy of HE und DU ZT GmbH)

Living in Harmony with Nature

The project emphasizes harmonious coexistence with nature, with a design that seamlessly integrates into the surrounding environment, reflecting the architects’ commitment to creating spaces that respect the natural context.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Despite the challenges posed by a small creek on the plot, the design introduced an innovative solution through a small bridge that transforms the obstacle into a distinctive aesthetic feature.

The Bridge as an Aesthetic and Functional Element

The bridge adds a visually appealing dimension to the house while creating a direct connection to the natural landscape. This allows residents to enjoy the beauty of the creek and its surroundings, enhancing the living experience through a continuous connection with nature.

Modern white house with an asymmetric roof and large windows situated on a grassy slope with pine trees. — Nestled among pine trees, the house’s clean white facade stands in striking contrast to the organic textures of the forest. (Courtesy of HE und DU ZT GmbH)

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The House Am Feuerbachl project can be seen as a model that showcases several important architectural concepts, such as dividing spaces into independent units, using pitched roofs to enhance the interior spatial character, and emphasizing integration with nature along with the incorporation of sustainable elements. These aspects provide starting points for considering how to design small to medium-sized homes while respecting both residents’ privacy and the surrounding environment.

However, the project raises certain questions when viewed from a broader architectural perspective. For instance, the concept of a “house within a house” may struggle to adapt to the needs of larger families or evolving long-term uses. Similarly, relying on a bridge to cross the creek could introduce design complexities that are not suitable for all settings. Additionally, some visually connected spaces, despite their aesthetic appeal, may not offer the practical flexibility required for daily life or for adapting future uses of the spaces.

Despite these reservations, the project remains an important source of insight for utilizing small spaces in harmony with nature. It can serve as a reference for exploring innovative solutions to site-specific and visual challenges in similar residential projects, with a focus on achieving a better balance between aesthetics and functionality.