Archi-Tectonics

The 2500 sf Dub residence, located in Vreden Germany, was conceived as the intersection of two basic volumes; a low stone volume flanking the street with a wooden T-volume crossing over and cantilevering out over the garden. Using prefabricated construction techniques, the Residence was constructed in 3 days and fully finished in 6 weeks. This short and predictable process eliminates the usual stress a client has related to unforeseen costs and unpredictable construction time. On the other hand, it adds a high quality and precision to the construction and the engineering.

The stone ground floor volume contains living, dining, kitchen, bath, and master bedrooms. Perched above the stone volume is the cantilevered second floor with a double-height atrium to the office, where one also finds storage rooms and the guest bed. This lightweight box of wood and glass is angled towards the garden and ends with a generous balcony. Its cantilever creates a shadowed terrace below directly off of the master bedroom.

The prefab panels provide a very high insulation level, which reduces energy consumption. The use of glass at strategic places allows for passive solar energy. The radiant floor system guarantees an efficient heating and cooling system. The choice of natural materials for the exterior promotes a natural ‘aging’ process and a very low maintenance level: untreated reclaimed Ipe siding for natural resistance to decay & weathering; reclaimed wood window & door framing with 1’ insulated glass units.

Credits

Year: Completed 2008

Location: Vreden, Germany

Client: Private

Project Type: Prefab. House

Size: 2500 sq ft

Design Team: Principal in charge: Winka Dubbeldam, Assoc. AIA | Local Architect: Pass Architektur

Consultants: Engineers: Segbers & Witte GbR

Photography: Archi-Tectonics

Architect of Record: Pass Architektur