The Sustainable Mainz House Project Redefines the Relationship Between Timber Design and the Urban Environment

Building Location and Significance

This sustainable wooden building is located in the heart of Mainz. It was designed to replace an existing semi-detached house that could not be reused due to several factors: significantly low ceiling heights, structural damage to the main framework, and the presence of harmful materials within the old construction.

Challenges and Solutions

Given the issues with the old building, there was an urgent need to develop a new sustainable structure aligned with modern environmental standards. The new design relies on wood as the primary material, enabling greater sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

Architectural Philosophy

The new building reflects a deep appreciation for natural materials and their effective use, focusing on achieving a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The use of wood also creates a warm and comfortable indoor environment while enhancing the connection between interior and exterior spaces.

Integration of the Building into Its Surroundings

Situated in a diverse environment that combines single-family houses, post-war terraced homes, and architectural elements from the Gründerzeit period, the new house blends seamlessly into the semi-detached housing fabric, maintaining visual harmony with its surroundings.

Site Layout and Uses

The centrally located plot is naturally divided into two distinct sections:

• The Green Side: Features a grassy garden that offers space for relaxation and a connection with nature.
• The Urban Side: Dedicated to access and utilities, reflecting the functional character of the area.

The Garage as a Design Element

The existing garage was adapted to function as a street-facing barrier, enhancing privacy and serving as an effective visual screen.
The same ventilated façade made of pre-greyed laminated pine wood was used, matching the residential building to create a cohesive and unified design language across all elements of the project.

Plot Shape and House Layout

The plot takes the form of a funnel, which directly influenced the geometry of the floor plan. Thanks to its openness on both sides of the outdoor area, the living room establishes multiple connections and allows for diverse patterns of use between rooms and shared spaces.

Efficient Use of Space

Despite the small floor area, the compact house was designed to accommodate a family of five, providing four individual rooms arranged thoughtfully and functionally.

Construction Details

The building details were developed to be as consistent as possible, avoiding the use of adhesives, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental standards and sustainable design principles.

Simplification of Construction Layers

The construction layers were simplified to the greatest extent possible to ensure efficiency and ease of execution. The floor, made of laminated timber elements, is simply covered with carpet tiles, while an insulated concrete slab provides a solid foundation for the ground floor.

Heating and Ventilation System

A wall heating system was installed behind the interior cladding made of untreated spruce panels, ensuring an even heat distribution while preserving the natural aesthetic of the materials.

Windows and Exterior Cladding

The wooden windows, aligned parallel to the façade, were set at staggered heights, similar to those of the surrounding houses, enhancing visual harmony with the neighborhood. The horizontal façade cladding was carefully coordinated with these height shifts, creating a cohesive and unified design composition.

Building Base

The base, made of L-shaped blocks, requires no additional waterproofing, simplifying construction and reducing the need for further treatment while maintaining the structure’s durability.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The project demonstrates a thoughtful use of wood as a primary material, efficiently utilizing space and ensuring a smooth connection between interior and exterior areas, offering a relatively balanced living experience. However, several challenges may affect its adaptability or replication in different contexts: the limited floor area restricts future flexibility in room redistribution, while the reliance on natural materials without adhesives could increase maintenance complexity over time or present challenges in adapting to climatic changes.

Moreover, the approach of integrating the garage as a visual barrier works well for this specific plot but might not be practical in denser areas or locations requiring more dynamic access. From an architectural standpoint, the project offers an opportunity to study the balance between sustainability, flexibility, and harmony with the built environment. Its experience can serve as a reference for designing similar projects in medium-density urban settings, provided that technical solutions are adjusted to meet local requirements and varying usage conditions.

Prepared by the ArchUp Editorial Team

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