Maria's Garden House

Truth. Appropriateness. Beauty.

Maria's Garden House is our purest interpretation so far of the triad of truth, appropriateness and beauty in architecture.

Truth: the entire construction remains visible. From the reversible, concrete-free foundation using screw foundations to the split pillars and under the ridge.  The load-bearing structure, cladding and finishing are made from a single material. Larch, freshly felled in the surrounding forests. Square main grid, modular construction, only 90- and 45-degree angles. Subsystems such as shelving and trellis result from the logic of the main structure.

Appropriateness: A simple, functional timber construction, seemingly drawn by a child's hand, as an enclosed weather protection for garden tools, bicycles and firewood with a loggia in front, which offers space for appropriation and is immediately played with by the youngest residents.

Beauty: Harmonious proportions overlaid with finely crafted façade differentiation and lighting. It serves both the moment and the careful preservation of a house that is loved. The garden house will grow in from year to year and thus become one with its surroundings.

The house was built by 2a studio together with two journeywomen carpenters. An enriching experience for everyone involved. Maria's garden house also serves as a test object for various constructions of the upcoming residential building Haus Flora.