zeller & moye completes 'haus koeris', a woodland retreat in germany

architecture studio zeller & moye has designed a private residence in germany that has been built entirely out of wood. surrounded by tall pine trees on a lake-adjacent plot near berlin, the project — titled ‘haus koeris’ — comprises five connected volumes that have been elevated above the seasonally damp ground below. the position of the existing trees dictated the configuration of the five volumes. ‘the shifts in the floor plan create small patios and green niches along the building’s perimeter,’ explain the architects. ‘some of these alcoves are sheltered from wind or hidden from views, others capture the sun and thus create pleasant micro-climates.’

all images © césar béjar

internally, the single-storey dwelling offers a range of both private and communal spaces. at the heart of the home, the largest volume contains a kitchen as well as a dining area and a lounge. this space is connected to three flexible rooms, which can be used as bedrooms, studios, workshops, or guest rooms depending on the circumstances. ‘their location at opposite ends of the house allows for good acoustic separation, therefore even at nighttime sleeping and working can occur simultaneously,’ says zeller & moye.

all interior spaces feature pale wooden walls, floors, and ceilings, while large windows frame carefully selected views of the woods. leading directly into the living space, the main entrance is concealed within the central patio, while three other entrances ensure that the house remains connected with its garden surroundings.

with a modest budget of €230,000 ( approx. $253,000 USD), the design relied on inventive construction methods to keep costs down. in order to protect the roots of the site’s trees, the building was raised above ground to minimize its structural footprint. a light wood construction rests on individual concrete foundations that are laid out on a grid, allowing the roots to grow around them.

environmentally sustainable construction methods include the use of renewable resources such as solid wood floors and ceilings, a modular wall system of wooden building blocks, and wood fiber based insulation. externally, the façade comprises vertical slats of regional spruce wood that wrap around the house, while generous amounts of glazing ensure plenty of natural light. in addition, the use of wood helps regulate the internal temperature.

a wood-fired stove provides comfortable radiant heat based on a renewable energy source, while a biogas boiler provides general heating to all rooms. a small sewage plant with biological treatments has been installed on the lot, cleaning all of the house’s wastewater before releasing the clean water. the second phase of the project will see vegetation planted on the roof, further increasing the insulation of the building and contributing to the land’s eco-system.