The two-storey residential home is situated on the Rodderberg in the Rhine valley opposite the 'Drachenfels'. It consists of two parts forming a right angle: The long, rectangular living space for the family and the pavilion-like separate apartment for the grandmother. A small passage links the two parts of the building, so that the grandmother has her own little house and is, at the same time, in direct contact to the family. The location of the house is on a slope, which creates very attractive situations: The living area opens up to a spacious terrace in the south with direct access to a pond and the garden, and the impressive view of the valley and the Rhine river bank to the north.
The façade of the building consists of different layers that make it possible to flexibly adjust the level of transparency. Glass sliding-doors open up the house to all sides. In front of the façade there are big, translucent sliding elements which can be moved into every possible position. They function as sun screens, blinds and light filters. In addition to that, they act as a temperature shield in the winter and at night, building up a mantle of air between the glass and the insulated elements. This way this extraordinary house is capable to adapt to the change of day and night, to the change of seasons as well as to the rhythm of life of its inhabitants.
|
Residential Home |