Many architects have made it their goal to reduce the consumption of energy and resources while at the same time optimizing buildings for other factors such as saving space, protecting natural areas, etc. New buildings are designed according to these contemporary requirements, especially in densely populated areas. An example of sustainable architecture is this building, which was realized in 2015 by Dominique Coulon & Associés on just 120 square meters of space. It is located on the corner in the old building district “Kurnau” in Strasbourg. This district is dominated by historic old buildings and there are often small “gaps” in between that the developers are usually not interested in because of the small area. However, the small space is optimized through sustainable construction and is simply perfect for a new mixed-use building.
On a corner between old buildings there is a modern five-storyBuilding with a beautiful roof terrace. It is built sustainably from several perspectives. On the one hand, the house is used differently: there is an architecture and design office on the first two floors and the top floors are used as a private house. On the other hand, the house is largely energy-optimized in terms of the living climate. The house facade is clad in charred larch wood. The targeted burning of wood is an old Japanese technique that densifies the wood cells and protects them from pests and weather influences. At first glance, the window openings appear to be randomly planned. They also have different sizes and it is difficult to judge from the outside where the individual levels begin and end. In this way, residents can optimally benefit from the light. They also have a wonderful, direct view of every side of the street.
Inside the house, both in the office area and in the private house, the living concept is open plan. The rooms flow seamlessly into each other and the stairs are in the middle of each living level. At the top there is a beautiful roof terrace with a pool, mini pond and a small garden area. From there you have a view of the historic buildings, canals and alleys in the area. Since the house is slightly higher than the other buildings, you have a natural privacy screen and can enjoy your free time on the terrace in peace.
*a project byDominique Coulon & associates
