A pair of narrow, timber-built units in Urmein, Heinzenberg, frame a versatile courtyard, blending compact, winter-ready interiors with outdoor spaces perfect for village gatherings. Innovative wood construction, minimal insulation needs, and repurposed heating elements create sustainable yet cozy living. This semi-detached design transforms a modest budget into a rustic retreat that harmonizes with village architecture—while inviting a touch of cultural life into its heart.

The semi-detached house consists of two identical wooden units, each designed with a narrow footprint and separated by an open central courtyard framed by timber walls and verandas. This courtyard provides an outdoor living space ideal for mild weather and connects to two ground-floor studios intended for work. Above, each unit’s main living areas include a small kitchen, dining space, and a compact living room under the roof. A mezzanine level, with a limited ceiling height of two meters, accommodates a bathroom and two sleeping quarters, each just 3.5 square meters, creating a compact, vertical layout suited for winter living.

Located in Urmein in the Heinzenberg region, the plot provides an ideal setting, enabling the house to blend seamlessly with the village architecture. Raw solid wood panels form the ceilings, intentionally left without sound insulation, screed, or additional floor covering. Well-insulated exterior walls, characteristic of wood construction, eliminate the need for floor or radiator heating. For the coldest days, two soapstone stoves repurposed from an old house provide adequate heating, while a simple heat pump supplies hot water. Only one unit includes a basement.

A tight budget led to minimal space allocation and simplified construction. Solutions included rigidly separating well-insulated indoor spaces from unheated outdoor areas and minimizing living and sleeping areas while simplifying building systems and finish standards. The courtyard has additional potential, capable of hosting village events and gatherings. With its resemblance to London’s reconstructed Globe Theatre, the space is ideal for cultural performances, adding a communal dimension to the home’s design.

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