No Man’s Land
Self-Sustaining Farmhouse Renovation
Sealed up and shrouded in the former East Germany, this 19th-century traditional farmhouse is given new life in a renovation that celebrates its history. The renovation restores and reveals the original construction, including the detailed brick exterior and interior timber-framing, and complements it with state-of-the-art sustainable interventions. Solar shingles, integrated into the vernacular roof, are coupled with a geo-thermal system to achieve net-zero energy consumption. The open plan and double-height space provide a modern layout, while simultaneously exposing traces of the original floorplan through the timber framing. This architectural palimpsest preserves the stories of the past while embracing the present.
Location – MV, Germany
Typology – Single Family Residence, 200 sqm
Client - Private
Status - Completed December 2020
Services – Pre-Design to Construction Administration + Construction Management
Collaborator - Sierra Boaz Cobb
Credits:
Fotos by Pujan Shakupa
Solar panel roof plan by SolteQ Europe GmbH
THE PROCESS.
THIS 19TH-CENTRUY TRADITIONAL FARMHOUSE was sealed up in the former communist GDR era. Openings were closed or minimized, the front door was eliminated, and the masonry facade was sealed with concrete plaster.
THE RENOVATION restores and reveals the original construction, including the detailed brick exterior and interior timber-framing, and complements it with state-of-the-art sustainable interventions.
INNOVATION AND DETAIL.
SOLAR panel shingles are integrated into the roof system and together with geothermal, create a self-sufficient heating and energy system. Each solar shingle is the same shape, size, and color as the standard concrete roof shingle, typical in the region.
SOLAR panel shingles are integrated into the roof system and together with geothermal, create a self-sufficient heating and energy system. Each solar shingle is the same shape, size, and color as the standard concrete roof shingle, typical in the region.
SOLAR panel shingles are integrated into the roof system and together with geothermal, create a self-sufficient heating and energy system. Each solar shingle is the same shape, size, and color as the standard concrete roof shingle, typical in the region.
NORD FACADE The street front facade was restored to its original state, integrating the project into the village vernacular.
NORD FACADE The street front facade was restored to its original state, integrating the project into the village vernacular.
NORD FACADE The street front facade was restored to its original state, integrating the project into the village vernacular.
SOUTH FACADE The rear facade opens to the garden with large, modern panoramic windows.
SOUTH FACADE The rear facade opens to the garden with large, modern panoramic windows.
SOUTH FACADE The rear facade opens to the garden with large, modern panoramic windows.
STAIR The introduction of steel allowed us to create a minimalist stair that optimized the plan by reducing the circulation space.
STAIR The introduction of steel allowed us to create a minimalist stair that optimized the plan by reducing the circulation space.
STAIR The introduction of steel allowed us to create a minimalist stair that optimized the plan by reducing the circulation space.
STAIR The introduction of steel allowed us to create a minimalist stair that optimized the plan by reducing the circulation space.
STAIR The introduction of steel allowed us to create a minimalist stair that optimized the plan by reducing the circulation space.