Villa JES.
A combination of carbonized wood and Corten steel defines this modern, minimalist villa in Hamburg-Othmarschen. Through strategic recesses and cutouts, the austere rectangular form gains a dynamic sense of depth and a distinctive identity.
Located in the quiet residential neighborhood of Othmarschen, not far from the Elbe River, this contemporary villa was designed with a clear rectangular floor plan in accordance with the zoning plan. Despite this simple geometry, the goal was to refine the basic form and give it character: through recesses, offsets, and slanted facade surfaces, the volume is given rhythm and the rigidity of the orthogonal building line is softened.
The entrance area is clearly defined by the facade’s sloping, stepped design and the use of Corten steel, whose warm hue creates an intriguing contrast to the wooden cladding. Upon entering the house, a central hallway organizes the layout and leads to all main areas of the ground floor: the staircase, utility room, guest room, and the spacious, light-filled living, dining, and kitchen area, which opens up to the garden and the south-facing terrace through large openings. The upper floor features two children’s rooms with a shared bathroom and a spacious master suite. Each room has direct access to a terrace (private or shared), creating a close connection between the interior and exterior spaces.
The house is minimalist, modern, and functional, featuring clean lines and spacious proportions. Its exterior design is defined by the interplay of two raw, durable materials: charred wood and Corten steel. This combination gives the villa an authentic, distinctive character and subtly sets it apart from the surrounding residential buildings.
