Haus L
A Touch of Miami Vice in Cologne
Haus L, Rhineland
A Touch of Miami Vice in Cologne
Oliver Pickartz
What appears at first glance to be a residence from 1980s Florida is, in fact...
a contemporary home located in the quiet Rhineland. Haus L combines a minimalist, geometric aesthetic with distinctive accents and a subtle tropical character. A sophisticated solar shading system serves not only a practical purpose but also acts as a defining architectural feature.
Blurring the Boundary Between Inside and Out
Haus L was conceived as a green oasis. Sunlit hours can be spent beside the generous swimming pool, framed by palm trees and expansive lawns. The building opens towards the garden through an almost continuous two-storey glass façade, allowing interior and exterior spaces to merge seamlessly.
To preserve this visual connection while protecting the interior from excessive solar gain, a carefully engineered shading solution was developed specifically for the project.
Mobile shading panels have been installed in front of the rear façade glazing. These panels are driven by a belt mechanism, enabling smooth and precise movement along a guide measuring just 20 mm in width. The motors have been discreetly integrated to minimise their visual impact.
The system is divided into three separate fields, each of which can be controlled independently, allowing the shading to respond flexibly to changing sunlight conditions. The design was further complicated by the subtle curvature of the façade, which the panels are required to follow accurately.
Long-Term Durability with Duplex-Coated Hot Dip Galvanized Steel
The timeless character of Haus L extends beyond its visual expression. Durability was a key criterion in the specification of materials. For this reason, the frames of the external shading system were fabricated from hot dip galvanized steel to ensure long-term corrosion protection.
To further enhance performance and provide a consistent architectural finish, the galvanized components were subsequently coated with a wet paint system, creating a duplex coating. This approach enabled the required aesthetic to be achieved for the architectural concept.
Engineering Supporting Architectural Vision
The solar shading system integrates seamlessly within the overall architectural composition. Its refined yet restrained design supports the building’s aesthetic while delivering high functional performance.
Through thoughtful engineering and precise detailing, the architectural vision has been realised down to the smallest element. The use of hot dip galvanized steel ensures that this carefully crafted environment will maintain its integrity and appearance for generations to come.
The solar shading system integrates precisely into the overall architectural concept through its refined yet restrained design. Careful engineering has enabled the creative vision to be realised down to the smallest detail, creating an authentic and cohesive living environment. The use of hot dip galvanized steel ensures that this sense of quality and integrity will be preserved for generations.
Oliver Pickartz
Project Gallery
Project Information
Fabricator: Windhorst Stahl & Metallbau GmbH
Architect: Oliver Bieniussa
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