Residential building, Rickenbach

The Hofhaus stands on a family property that was formerly used for agriculture, located in a hamlet in the Hotzenwald with a view of the Swiss Alps. The building’s layout is based on the original single-roofed farmstead, known as the “Hotzenhof.”

The outer wing of the farm section retains the form of a barn and is connected to the living area via a covered walkway. The recess in the building creates a wind-protected inner courtyard. On the north side, the house has a closed, barn-like character, while it opens up on the south side. The surrounding landscape is incorporated into the interior design through large, strategically placed windows.
The ground floor flows into the upper floor via an open-air space. The gallery and workspace are also designed to be open. The clients’ goal was a modern interpretation of farm life that blends work and living. The energy concept includes a wood-burning heating system and a photovoltaic system.

The materials used were largely left in their natural state. Walls and ceilings are left raw and untreated. A reinforced concrete core, serving as thermal mass, is completely encased in a solid wood structure made of LENO^® cross-laminated timber. Walls, insulation, the facade, and windows are made of locally sourced fir.

The facade features a simple design. Black cutouts provide deliberate accents. Diamond-shaped decorative cutouts echo typical design elements of agricultural buildings and also serve as ventilation openings. The combination of concrete and wood defines the architectural character of the interior spaces.Text/Source: Holzbau Offensive BW, 100 timber buildings in South Baden.

Special features:
Award: Hugo Häring BDA 2020

Impressions - Building

Impressions - Interiors