Roofed Square and a Circle Single Family House by Curious About: Innovative Timber Architecture in Germany

Architects: Curious About

The Roofed Square and a Circle Single Family House is a striking example of contemporary timber architecture, situated on a serene plot at the edge of a field in Southern Palatinate, Germany. Overlooking the panoramic Kalmit, this house stands as a solitaire, harmonizing simplicity with functionality. The name itself, inspired by the timber builder’s remark, “It’s just a roofed square”, reflects the purity and clarity of the design.

Designed with an emphasis on spatial fluidity, the house allows life to unfold entirely on a single level, eliminating barriers while maintaining intimate zones. Instead of compartmentalized rooms, the interior is open and communicative, with subtle partitions creating private retreats. Central to this design is the core element, a multifunctional structure that separates yet connects spaces, accommodating ancillary rooms while defining circulation. Four large sliding doors link public and private areas, creating a seamless, adaptable living environment.

A thoughtful manipulation of ridge height and roof pitch allows the integration of two small upper-floor rooms and an additional bathroom, ensuring the home remains functional for a growing family.

Outdoor Design: A Natural Garden and Floating Terrace

The outdoor space was envisioned to remain as natural as possible, maintaining the meadow’s existing charm. The architects introduced a terrace inspired by the concept of an island in a sea of flowers, a geometrically independent element slightly separated from the house. This design not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a direct connection between indoor and outdoor living, encouraging interaction with nature while preserving privacy.

Timber Construction and Sustainable Materials

Constructed with a timber frame system, the house comprises 28 prefabricated wall, ceiling, and roof elements, anchored with Hilti HCW connectors to the floor slab. This high degree of prefabrication ensured precise, efficient, and rapid construction. The rear-ventilated wooden façade, made from pre-greyed Nordic spruce, is installed vertically with visible screws, giving the exterior a tactile, minimalist texture.

Inside, light-colored walls and exposed wooden ceilings create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Blown-in cellulose insulation in both the exterior walls and raftered roof guarantees optimum thermal performance, blending comfort with sustainability.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Living

As a KFW Efficiency House 40 EE, the Roofed Square and a Circle House integrates a holistic approach to sustainable building technology. The home harnesses environmental heat through a combination of geothermal energy and heat pump technology, complemented by a photovoltaic rooftop system. Additionally, a decentralized ventilation system with heat recovery ensures excellent indoor air quality while minimizing energy consumption.

This combination of high-performance insulation, intelligent energy systems, and sustainable materials makes the house extremely energy-efficient, reduces CO2 emissions, and demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture. Its flexible design allows adaptation for future owners, combining a resource-saving construction method with a modern, family-oriented spatial layout.

A Forward-Looking Example of Contemporary Residential Design

The Roofed Square and a Circle Single Family House exemplifies how timber construction, sustainable technologies, and minimalist design can create functional, beautiful, and environmentally conscious homes. By balancing openness with privacy, simplicity with sophistication, and nature with modern living, Curious About delivers a home that is as practical as it is poetic.

All photographs are works of Kim Fohmann