This project involves the remodeling of a former fire station in the Eifel; a wine growing area in Southern Germany.

The client; a painting professor, required a combination of living and working spaces that optimized natural daylight. The existing fire station comprised of a garage for two engines. A stair to the west side provided access to quarters on the upper floor and roof space. A substantial concrete frame encouraged us to retain this configuration and take advantage of the large north facing garage doors. The studio space was therefore located on the ground level of the house.

The street facing, east side of the house looks out onto the historical village square. The façade remains respectful of the existing streetscape but is articulated by a number of boxes which penetrate into the street. The boxes harness some south light and also serve as cabinets containing artifacts from the house¹s interior.

The most dramatic change to the building occurs on the west side. An extension to the roof space encouraged us to consider a new façade that would bring more light into the poorly illuminated upper levels. A balcony at second level and a patio garden create a visual extension of the interior spaces. Windows on the north façade are modified to capture more west light by tapering the edge of each opening. A monolithic red wall makes reference to the buildings former use.