VILLA AT THE BRANITZER PARK

DESIGN PROJECT
B.SC. – BTU COTTBUS-SENFTENBERG
02.2015 – 1. SEMESTER

My first architectural assignment was to design an abstract, three-dimentional object from a specific material – in this case, stone – to subsequently take its properties as the basis for the design of a residential villa. I quote from the publication Werkstücke by the atelier Bettina Kraus:

The exercises from which the objects emerged are essentially rudimentary prompts to do something, and above all specify boundary conditions with the intention of precluding certain decisions and making it easier to act. Their scope spans the actual question asked and the constraints inherent to each material […] which subsequently become an integral part of the exercise and outcome.

My first architectural assignment was to design an abstract, three-dimentional object from a specific material – in this case, stone – to subsequently take its properties as the basis for the design of a residential villa. I quote from the publication Werkstücke by the atelier Bettina Kraus:

The exercises from which the objects emerged are essentially rudimentary prompts to do something, and above all specify boundary conditions with the intention of precluding certain decisions and making it easier to act. Their scope spans the actual question asked and the constraints inherent to each material […] which subsequently become an integral part of the exercise and outcome.

The resulting building very much reflects the qualities of the material. The rear side of the building is dug into a hill and thus remains contextually integrated; the massive, angular shapes stand out from the earth and form a powerful external impression. The white surfaces contrast with their surroundings – yet the objects do not seem alien. The inner functions are derived from the outer geometry, e.g. by using an intermediate space as a green courtyard or by using the walls of the longest body for a private library.

Building technology, building regulations, budget considerations, etc. did not play a role here. The emphasis was on the elementary principles of architecture: material, form, light, shadow, proportion – space.

VILLA AT THE BRANITZER PARK

EP1 DESIGN PROJECT
GASTPROF. BETTINA KRAUS
B.SC. – BTU COTTBUS-SENFTENBERG
02.2015 – 1. SEMESTER

EP1 DESIGN PROJECT
GASTPROF. BETTINA KRAUS
B.SC. – BTU COTTBUS
04.2016 – 4. SEMESTER

The resulting building very much reflects the qualities of the material. The rear side of the building is dug into a hill and thus remains contextually integrated; the massive, angular shapes stand out from the earth and form a powerful external impression. The white surfaces contrast with their surroundings – yet the objects do not seem alien. The inner functions are derived from the outer geometry, e.g. by using an intermediate space as a green courtyard or by using the walls of the longest body for a private library.

Building technology, building regulations, budget considerations, etc. did not play a role here. The emphasis was on the elementary principles of architecture: material, form, light, shadow, proportion – space.

Location

Section East-West

Ground floor (up) and first floor (down) plans