Utting Am Ammersee, Bavaria, Germany
In Utting, Arnold / Werner built a consistently sustainable and ecological house on 800 m². In the surroundings of a growing village structure with old trees, a house was built here within walking distance of Lake Ammersee, which deals with the topic of future-oriented and resource-conserving construction.
A central design approach is the use of organic, local and recycled building materials – above all wood for the supporting structure, the insulation, the interior fittings and the lush green façade. Architecture, interior design and an open space design that supports biodiversity with native meadow flowers, shrubs and trees appear as a holistic unit. The green roof (combined with a water cistern), the lawn and deadwood areas also provide spaces for insects and thus promote the protection of biodiversity.
The interior is characterized by natural materials, such as clay plaster cladding and recycled and sustainability-certified furniture. The idea of reuse was also taken into consideration in the design of the interior spaces. The freely designed floor plan offers flexible use and can also be divided into two residential units in the future.
In addition, there is a clear spatial division into an open first floor (entrance, living/dining area, kitchen and guest room) and an upper floor with areas for parents and children. The upper floor is separated by the air space above the dining area and a T-shaped staircase. Large south-facing windows provide plenty of natural light and allow the passive use of solar energy. A wrap-around balcony and the large roof overhang provide shade and rain protection for the wooden façade in summer.
Another central theme is the idea of self-sufficiency. The sustainability concept is rounded off by a water cistern, a heat pump and a PV system with battery storage and wall box. The project House A/Z served as a self-experiment in dealing with sustainability ideas, in which the processes and practices can be applied to future projects. True to the motto “learning by doing”.
Architects: Arnold / Werner Architekten GmbH & Co KG
Design Team: Sascha Arnold, Hannah Schels, Nasim Tofighnia, Pia Fischer, and Vanessa Mothes
General Contractor: Arnold / Werner Architekten GmbH & Co KG
Client: Private
Photographers: Florian Holzherr and Luca Eder
