Magnificently monolithic at first sight, our Villa B is a house with an intriguing double identity. Behind the imposing, screen-like frontage is a warm and welcoming domestic space that gradually opens up the house to the garden, bringing the outside inside with a transparent rear facade. Our composition in contrasts meets our clients' wishes for a distinctive home that would be a new take on the classic Munich townhouse.
Making an entrance
Villa B has a majestic presence. We took an impressive volume and structured it in vertical slabs of marble with fine brass lining. We made the facade entirely closed, except for the solid patinated brass entrance doors and four marble panels on the first floor that open to reveal a window. We kept the detailing of the facade extremely clear in its lines and expression, eliminating any element that suggests mechanical or technical movement, such as hinges and sliders.
‘The solid exterior of the house gradually opens up toward the garden.’
– Sander Apperlo Partner at Powerhouse Company
Our wider, wilder view
Our closed front facade acts as a privacy screen for the interior and garden. Embracing the green space outdoors, we opened up our design towards the back of the house, progressively increasing the number of glass openings. These culminate in our entirely transparent garden facade. Interrupted only by narrow stone bands forming large overhangs, our glass wall ensures a seamless transition between the interior and the lush natural landscape outside.
‘The solid exterior of the house gradually opens up toward the garden.’
– Sander Apperlo Partner at Powerhouse Company
Garage driven
In the basement, our garage uses unconventional materials: wooden walls and a natural marble floor. The curvilinear walls of our space make it dynamic and impressive, and set it apart from the rectilinear house. It wasn't our idea to add the expensive cars as a finishing touch, but we find them very much a part of the atmosphere. They fit into the integrated idea of beauty and design in Villa B, in which every detail is considered.