In a small village in the former East Germany, a 19th-century country house that had remained closed and forgotten for decades has been restored. HOFF ARCHITECTS and Sierra Boaz Cobb are responsible for the project. The renovation of the country house allowed the building to be restored to its original character, while introducing solutions based on modern sustainable technologies.
The building was constructed in a traditional timber-frame construction with brick walls. During the GDR period, its appearance was completely transformed: some windows were bricked up, the entrance door was removed and the façade was covered with concrete plaster. During the renovation, the architectural team removed layers of later alterations, exposing the original bricks and restoring the natural permeability of the walls. As a result, the interior microclimate was improved and the front facade was restored in a form close to the original. The house fits back into the village landscape, with the only contemporary touches being the large windows and shutters.
The location in a small village, away from the infrastructure, led the designers to use the latest renewable energy technologies. Photovoltaic roof tiles were laid on the roof, which provide electricity to both the house and a geothermal pump that draws heat from a 130-metre-deep borehole. The combination of these two systems allows for complete energy independence. Each tile is identical in shape and colour to the traditional coverings found in the region, and the subtle sheen creates an effect reminiscent of old slate roofs.
The plan of the building opens up from the more enclosed front section towards the garden, where the living space is planned. On the street side, low ceilings with a clay finish have been retained and renovated. The living area is open and two-storey, allowing the massive timber structure to be fully exposed. A high gap in the façade brings light into the interior, emphasising its verticality. Glass partition walls visually connect the ground and first floors, creating unexpected perspectives. New elements, such as a concrete floor with underfloor heating or precisely laid internal insulation, are juxtaposed with preserved parts of the 19th-century structure.
The design by HOFF ARCHITECTS and Sierra Boaz Cobb preserves the authentic character of the building while meeting the standards of contemporary green building. A former farmhouse has been transformed into an energy-efficient home that exemplifies a responsible approach to historic architecture in areas lacking modern infrastructure.
Project: HOFF ARCHITECTS & Sierra Boaz Cobb
Area: 150 sq m.
Photography: Pujan Shakupa
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Country house renovation – before and after
