Architecture / Urban planning
Michael Welle Architektur GmbH
Client
Isabelle Müller
Completion
2022
Awards
Bauwerk Schwarzwald e.V. Architecture Route 2022
Design
An ecologically renovated cottage on the edge of the municipality of Nordrach in the Black Forest allows tourists to relax. The Black Forest house, built around 1831, was in poor condition when the owners bought it. The dilapidated house was lovingly renovated and upgraded, largely by the owners themselves.
Material / construction
The old house needed a new suspended ceiling and some parts of the exterior timber frame walls also had to be replaced.
The use of natural materials was important to the client, so wood, straw and clay were chosen as building materials. The exterior timber frame walls were filled with straw insulation. Inside, the wall structure was supplemented with a clay wall heating system, thus ensuring a regulated, pleasant living climate. The surface of the built-in staircase, made entirely of local silver fir, corresponds to that in the bathroom and kitchen. The surfaces of the furniture on the upper floor are also made of silver fir.
Sustainability / energy concept
In the event of demolition, most of the materials can be returned to nature.
Bottom line
The holiday home in Nordrach is a good example of why it is worth renovating old houses that were thought to be lost - in a modern and contemporary way. It should also be emphasised that the renovation was carried out using regional, ecological materials - as specified by the existing building: a successful, respectful approach to the old building fabric, taking into account today's usage criteria.
