House Nordlicht: A Monolithic Bungalow Cast in Concrete

A Seamless and Sustainable Home in the Bavarian Forest

Situated in the heart of the Bavarian-Bohemian Forest Natural Park, House Nordlicht, designed by Büro Florian Schätz, stands as a testament to seamless and sustainable architecture. This single storey bungalow, labeled as a monolithic masterpiece, is a massive cast in lightweight thermal concrete. With 60cm thick monolithic walls and a large roof entirely crafted in concrete with cellular glass aggregates, the design fulfills the stringent Energy Saving Ordinance of Germany. The primary energy consumption of the building is an impressive 32 kWh per m2, setting a new standard for energy-efficient homes.

What sets House Nordlicht apart is not just its energy efficiency, but also its commitment to sustainability. The formwork for the concrete walls is made from pines sourced from the nearby forest, leaving a lasting imprint on the surface of the concrete. This unique approach not only reduces waste but also adds a touch of natural beauty to the design.

Creating a monolithic structure of this scale comes with its fair share of challenges. Due to the required aggregates and limited mixing facilities, the concrete had to be transported for more than 60 minutes, resulting in a less fluid consistency. During the vibration process, the aggregates started to segregate, leading to the appearance of hollow spaces and cavities on the concrete wall surface and inside the reinforcement. To overcome this, the construction team cooled down the concrete before casting it with iced water. Additionally, cold water pipes embedded in the walls helped to cool the walls from the inside during the curing process, ensuring a solid and flawless final product.

The design of House Nordlicht seamlessly integrates with the natural topography of the site. Each space within the bungalow offers carefully curated views of the magnificent landscape, including rolling hills and the nearby forest. The open concept living, kitchen, and dining area define the southern side of the house, while the bedrooms, studio, and study rooms unfold towards the East and North under the expansive roof. A cubic dormer adds a touch of architectural flair, framing the horizon and capturing the beauty of the sunset.

House Nordlicht was realized between 2017 and 2018 in D94086 Waldkirchen, Germany. The project not only aimed to create a sustainable low-energy house but also to address the growing concern of non-biodegradable external thermal polystyrene insulation waste. By utilizing lightweight thermal concrete with foam glass and natural clay aggregates, the design offers a responsible and environmentally friendly alternative.

The innovative and sustainable design of House Nordlicht has earned it recognition and accolades. In 2018, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. House Nordlicht stands as a shining example of how architecture can integrate industry best practices and competent technical characteristics to create a better and more sustainable world.

Images by FACE2050 | Florian Schätz

Copyright by FACE2050, Büro Florian Schätz, 2017