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A Brisk White Home for Books and Art in the German Alps

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Usually an architecturally interesting house is set among much dowdier neighbors.

But House M has an equally attractive solar-powered home next door.

The house was designed by Philipp Architekten for a couple with two young children in Balingen, Germany.

The long narrow house occupies a long narrow site in the foothills of the Swabian Alps.

As yet, the extensive grassy space to the side is unoccupied.

The brief was to make a happy light-filled space for their growing family.

By contrast with the all-white interior and exterior, a black kitchen brings a surprise.

The family is in the publishing business and so the architects designed a two-story library to house their extensive collection.

The family has some much treasured art that also affected the architecture – allowing height to display it.

The warmth of timber throughout provides a contrast to the white.

Along the narrow interior, a skylight runs, adding sunshine deep into the house.

The architects feel it gives the interior “a museum-like character” as well.

Another surprise in Germany, secluded from neighbors by the hill – a cold dip!

The surprise pool creates an interesting reflection of the purist and sculptural character of the home.