Project in Detail
House H
Luxembourg
JCCL, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
2009
Robertino Nikolic - Robertino Nikolic Photography
A sun trap or 210 years of architecture
Until a few years ago it was still a house with a barn and stables. Now it has been transformed into a home where sunshine and light are given pride of place. The barn roof has been removed to create a patio, which represents the first part of a “spatial promenade” – an integral spatial configuration, which guides both visitors and inhabitants through the house, giving them plenty of surprises along the way. It is a continuous space. The shell is more like a framework, which encloses the interior space, drawing attention - deliberately and to different extents - to the view and looking for a relationship with the exterior.
The house could be described from many perspectives. From the technical point of view, it is a low-energy house. This architecture also manages to fulfil all the requirements without compromising the overall space concept. Modern technology helps to make the house as user-friendly as possible. Passive components are complemented by heating and ventilation technology.
Another perspective is the sociological component of living together. Many forms of co-existence are possible in this house. There is enough space for the grandparents to move into their own living area, enabling them to spend time with their grandchildren. Several generations can be united in this house with its communal areas.
But the best thing is that this house attracts sunshine. Even when the weather is dull, the skylights and large air spaces act as residual light amplifiers, allowing the walls to be illuminated by the zenith light and making a patch of light move across the internal floor. In contrast, there is still the “parlour”, which is now 210 years old. Who would have thought of sustainability back then?
Lead Architect
JCCL
Esch-Sur-Alzette
Luxembourg