overhanging wooden pavilion tops oppenheim architecture's family home in germany

kronbühl residence by oppenheim architecture

Situated in a serene neighborhood with a view of the German section of Lake Constance, the Kronbühl residence designed by Oppenheim Architecture takes form through a sequence of bush-hammered concrete structures topped by an overhanging wooden pavilion. This intimate three-story family abode features expansive glass facades that bridge the gaps between the solid and the void elements of the design while framing diverse perspectives of the lake and adjacent fields.

Enveloping the basement floor, a landscaped berm extends as a verdant garden that harmonizes with the natural surroundings. Through the integration of the lowest structure with the terrain, an inherent harmony develops between the interior entertainment spaces and the exterior garden, swimming pool, and existing trees.

a sequence of concrete volumes is topped by an overhanging pavilion | all images by Zooey Braun

exploring the layers of the Kronbühl Residence

The basement of the Kronbühl residence, envisioned by Oppenheim Architecture (find more here), hosts a diverse array of spaces, encompassing a garage, a wine cellar, an entertainment room, a wellness area, and a sauna. The design intention of a verdant base minimizes the three-story appearance of the house, offering a considerate gesture to the neighboring context.

In contrast to this natural foundation, the intermediate level unfolds as an arrangement of several volumes, finished in bush-hammered concrete, crafting open voids that seamlessly accommodate living spaces within. A pursuit of transparency and unobstructed lake views led to the integration of window panels that glide into concealed pockets within the concrete, eliminating barriers between the interior and the outdoors. Above, the top wooden volume derives its distinctive triangular form from the three central viewpoints of the dwelling: the lake, the sunflower field, and the nearby apple orchard. This triangular form extends beyond the concrete volumes, with the master bedroom’s corner window framing the sunset of Lake Constance. Embracing the facade, wooden fins intertwine, demonstrating reverence for and elevation of the site’s inherent attributes, encompassing views, solar shading, and privacy considerations.

enveloping the basement floor, a landscaped berm extends as a verdant garden

bush-hammered concrete volumes and wooden fins complete the exterior of the residence

the house features expansive glass facades that bridge the gaps between its solid and void elements

window panels glide into concealed pockets within the concrete, eliminating barriers between the interior and the scenic outdoors

large openings eliminate the barriers between the interior and the outdoors

interior view of the bathroom of the residence

evening view of the house exterior

evening view of the protruding wooden volume of the house

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project info:

name: Kronbühl Residence
architect: Oppenheim Architecture | @oppenheimarchitecture
location: Bodman-Ludwigshafen, Germany
area: 1,000 sqm
local architect: Katharina Pilz Architekten ETH
interior designer: Bernd Gruber
structural consultant: Baustatik Relling GmbH
windows consultant: Sky-Frame
landscape consultant: Enea Landscape Architecture
OA principles in charge: Chad Oppenheim, Beat Huesler
project manager: Rasem Kamal
project contributeres: Andrew Dadds, Aaron Kohler