The house was designed as a series of controlled views into the surrounding landscape, an old brown field site of a disused military hospital in Buehl, Germany. Finding a non-existing site (the site had to be created on top of the ruins of the hospital by modulating the landscape) we tested the views by building a series of platforms to find the views and, as a result of that, to modulate the landscape in order to get to the main view – a perfectly framed piece of cultivated landscape rolling up the hills of the black forest.

Entering from the lowest level the clients experience the space through a spiraling route upstairs. They encounter a series of spaces, each with very distinct character – differing from the last one they just went through. Small enclosed spaces are followed by vast views into the surrounding landscape- therefore enhancing their impact. Going further up into the enclosure of the wrapped space, ending at the most private room, having the most spectacular view – a secret to them.

The house was planned from 1997- 1999 and build from 1999-2001.

The house won the ‘Weissenhof  Foerderpreis fuer junge Architekten’ (Weissenhof Young Architect of the Year 2000/2001). The project was exhibited in Germany and the U.K.

Architects: STORPWEBERARCHITECTS, Sabine Storp & Patrick Weber

Design 1997 – 1999

Build 1999 – 2001

Location: Schlosshoehe 28, 77815 Buehl/Baden, Germany

Site Architect: Thomas Fritz