Project: Villa K
Architects: Paul de Ruiter Architects
Location: Thüringen, Germany
Area: 2,669 sq ft
Photographs by: Pieters Kers & Patrick Voigt
Paul de Ruiter Architects, a Dutch studio whose Villa Kogelhof project was recently featured on our site, have designed the Villa K in Thüringen, Germany. This is their first project located in Germany.
The site on which the residence is constructed is less than ideal with its steep slope but the architects have used that to their advantage and have created a design that provides spectacular views. The design also made use of the slope to blend the building with the terrain and create a seamless transition from the home towards the dense forest that surrounds it.
Villa K, located in Thüringen, is the first German project for Paul de Ruiter Architects. The energy neutral villa, discrete and integrated in the natural environment, strongly reflects the wishes of the client and adheres to minimalist principles. The result is a straightforward, innovative residence built from only glass, steel and concrete.
Rooms with a view
The sustainable house is placed facing south in consideration of the amazing views as well as the path of sunlight to maximize efficiency. A glass façade, stretching from roof to floor, demarcates the living areas. The glass façade, without any disruptions such as windows or outdoor sun blinds, reflects nothing but the air and offers amazing views over the valley. Around the living area a U-shaped terrace is constructed. A pool intersects the interior of the house while extending towards the southern edge, which makes it seem to float above the hill.
The addition of a lifting platform across the pool makes the terrace visually appear to continue. This platform can be pulled up when deciding to go for a swim. Around the terrace a garden is arranged with vegetable crops and fruit trees.
Unity with the mountain scenery
The entrance, technical areas, pantry, hunting room and garage with room for six cars are located on the north side, moved into the slope of the mountain. The complete roof structure of the villa is covered with moss and sedum, alternated with solar cells, which reduces the cooling load.
Energy neutral because of its location
A climatologically interesting and sustainable situation is created through the orientation towards the south and by placing a large part of the house into the mountain slope. The south side receives large amounts of sunlight and warmth, while the ‘subterranean’ part of the house contains cold air. A heat exchanger implemented in the villa collects this warm and cold air and transports it to the heat pump. The heat pump stores cold air to cool in the summer and saves warm air to heat the house during winter times. This system is connected to a cooling ceiling and underfloor heating. A delicate and completely computerized computer system steers these stainable heating and cooling systems.
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