DREAM VILLA IN GERMAN TUSCANY

A trio of concrete, glass and veneer.

A stream splashes along, the view sweeps over the terrace with natural pool up over the fields to the Black Forest. What a great location! And then this unique house: clear lines in the classic Bauhaus style, sustainable construction and lots of light. With the "Villa C." a family with three children has fulfilled their dream of living in nature in German Tuscany near Baden-Baden. The two doctors wanted an oasis of peace as a balance to their hectic and full working day. Where, if not here, you can relax and unwind!

The architect of the house, Thomas Bechthold, is a friend of the family, who has already received numerous awards for his outstanding residential buildings. Actually, he and the client had only considered glass and concrete as materials for the interior design of the villa. The impression should be modern and clear, in the middle of the rural idyll. But fortunately they changed their plans: Axel Groh, managing director and co-owner of the veneer specialist Schorn & Groh, also belongs to the family's large circle of friends. He saw the designs and immediately realized that real wood would perfect the house. Axel Groh convinced and recommended the use of knotty oak to bring the beauty of nature into the house, and more warmth and comfort.

Knotty Oak in dream Villa
Photo credit: Thomas Bechtold I Freelance architect

Now three materials set the tone in the villa on an equal footing: Concrete, glass and veneer. They complement each other perfectly, and it goes without saying that elements of modern architecture meet a rustic look. The icing on the cake is the water from the pool and stream. The builders could not be happier with the result.

Photo credit: Thomas Bechtold
Photo credit: Thomas Bechtold

The high-quality veneer acts as a connecting element in many rooms. It is used more or less in almost all living and sleeping areas. Veneered built-in cupboards often replace the walls and are partitions between bedrooms and corridor. It is an unusual idea that saves valuable space and supports the clear structure of the interior. In total, more than 200 square metres of veneer with a book matched design were used. Architect and client personally selected the veneer in Schorn & Groh's large veneer warehouse. In total, more than 140 species of wood and over 6 million square metres are currently stored there.

Photo credit: Thomas Bechtold I Freelance architect