Construction design & supervision: : Anja Eckert / Architekturbüro Stephan Wildgruber
Physical model: Enrique Salazar
Photographer: Florian Holzherr
Model photography: Rodrigo Chapat
Story:
Text provided by the architects:
This project entails the extension to a heritage-listed Bavarian barn dating back to the 18th century. The client brief required that the original construction be upgraded into a fully functional country house.
In close dialogue with the local heritage authorities, a strategy was developed to keep the original construction as intact as possible while accommodating complementary functions in a new low–slung volume which at first glance is perceived as a separate and autonomous building. Old and new building volumes are connected by a discrete transversal structure. The concept of a cluster of volumes growing incrementally over time draws from local agricultural building types and reads as a kind of "Hof" or homestead.
The aim was that the new build extension harmonizes pleasantly with the original construction through its choice of material and form while forgoing imitation or pastoral ornament. The resulting ensemble of building volumes shields itself from its immediate neighbours to the north, while at the same time opening itself southwards to the village core, alpine mountain range, and afternoon sun. The extension was constructed on the basis of a timber post system set on a concrete basement foundation and finished with timber siding in accordance with the local vernacular. The low–pitched roof with its wide eaves is clad in naturally patinating copper.
