Last edited 20 Dec 2016

Schuppen house

In September 2016, Brandt + Simon Architekten completed Schuppen house, a single family home in Berlin, Germany.

The house is characterised by its façade which takes the form of rows of green shingles with curved edges, and windows positioned so as to resemble a face.

The 8,350 rounded shingles are in varying shades of green, providing the exterior with a dappled effect which is intended to blend with the surrounding trees and plants. This was the architects’ response to the client’s brief to create a ‘garden house’.

By angling the end wall of the timber-frame house, extra space was created for a garden. The facial expression on the wall is created by the use of a long panoramic window positioned below two smaller windows.

An angular white staircase connects the floors, with the uppermost floor illuminated by a set of 6 rectangular roof lights. In contrast to the colourful exterior, the interior finishes are minimal, with walls painted white and offset by dark flooring.

The ‘green’ credentials of the house are enhanced by the use of cellulose (recycled paper) for thermal insulation, with heating supported by the use of solar panels.