A German family home is adapted in stages over 12 years

SOMAA Architektur & Innenarchitektur spent 12 years, from 2013 to 2026, reworking a 1961 house in Ludwigsburg for a family of four. The design preserves the original structure while adding a charred-timber exterior, gold-anodised window reveals, a brass front door and a timber loft extension. Inside, light wood, white plaster and parquet are combined with rooms reorganised around the family’s daily routines.

Stuttgart practice SOMAA Architektur & Innenarchitektur treated the Ludwigsburg project as a long-term collaboration rather than a single overhaul. The 1961 dwelling, occupied by four people, was revised in phases from 2013 to 2026. Its exterior gained a ventilated charred-timber layer informed by yakisugi, while gold-anodised window surrounds and a brass entry door create contrast. The site also includes a separate apartment.

Inside, pale wood, white plaster and restored parquet support a lighter mood, with layouts adjusted around household routines. Replacing the old roof enabled a timber-clad loft addition. Sustainability work included wood-fibre insulation, an insulated pitched roof, triple glazing, an air-to-water heat pump and roof-integrated photovoltaics. Outdoor spaces feature curated garden areas, decks and a natural pool.