towering poplars, pines, and firs shield studiomolter’s wooden house by the river in germany

house by the river blends into its wooded site

Located just outside of Munich, studiomolter’s House by the River is conceived as a family home that balances the demands of urban living with a commitment to sustainability. Inspired by the ancient Greek Agora, this flexible living space unfolds with fluid thresholds connecting the indoors and outdoors, merging daily life and work. Towering poplars, pines, and firs shield the wooden residence, which stands with minimal environmental impact and inspires moments of creativity and connection for inhabitants. The architecture too takes cues from the early works of Herman Hertzberger, focusing on adaptability and allowing each space to transform according to the evolving needs of its inhabitants.

all images courtesy of studiomolter

studiomolter conceives fluid thresholds

Constructed with prefabricated wall panels made out of wood, House by the River prioritized precision and efficiency in the building process, reducing waste and minimizing construction time. Munich-based studiomolter implemented solid wood ceilings that enhance the home’s natural aesthetic, bringing warmth and a tactile quality to both interiors and exteriors. By limiting the basement to a compact, technical-only space, the design further reduces the home’s footprint, reflecting the principle of ‘touching the earth lightly.’

This careful selection of materials, along with the innovative construction process, fosters an atmosphere that effortlessly merges the indoors with the surrounding natural landscape. The result is a living environment that creates comfort for the family, while creating flexible and productive workspaces.

studiomolter completes House by the River