Daniel Libeskind‘s recent project, a series of signature prefabricated homes, is a drastic change from his usual commissions. Although a smaller project (5,500 square foot), the residence strongly speaks his language of design with drastic angles, strong geometries and seamless transitions between spaces. In this ever-growing age of prefab dominance, Libeskind’s villas will be able to be shipped to almost any location in the world within months, and will be assembled on site by a team of experts within weeks.
More about the project after the break.
“This is really the first time I have taken on the issue of doing something which is a limited artistic edition of a new space, a new way of living….I did everything in reverse in my career. Most people start with small projects and go on to design a museum. I started with a museum,” Libeskind commented.
Crafted from premium materials, the living space meets the highest standards in design, craftsmanship and sustainability. The villa’s exterior is clad in the same standing-seam zinc as Libeskind’s Jewish Museum in Berlin. The zinc, which is attached to the house’s wooden frame, provides a solar thermal system. Electric power is generated from photovoltaic thin film and rain water is harvested from the rooftop for use in the garden’s irrigation system. The villa is classified as a low-energy structure as it successfully complies with the tough energy-saving standards of Germany’s KfW40 code, which indicates a thermal energy consumption of less than 40 kWh/m²a.
Libeskind pays special attention to creating a highly sustainable entity without sacrificing the overall design of the project. Although the exterior is strong, the interior offers a softer and comfortable atmosphere of living with its asymmetrical plan. Upon entering, a grand room highlights the geometric space and offers uninterrupted views of the gardens. Full height windows continue to flood the interiors with sunlight and create a transparent environment.
The sculptural living space is certainly not the conventional house, nor the conventional prefab project because it challenges the traditional. Although designed as a prefabricated residence, the villa includes several custom features and will take several months to assemble on site. By offering regional exclusivity, the rush to create neighborhoods of Libeskind prefabs will be prevented.
To read more about the signature series. As seen on treehugger.
The Villa – Libeskind Signature Series
Completion: 2009 Client: proportion GmbH
Technical Details: Building Area: 515 sq m Building Footprint: 26m x 22m, max height 11m
Building Details: Spacious room layout with a grand central room, 4 bedrooms, family room, multiple bath and restrooms, office and multi-purpose rooms in basement
Structure: Wood frame construction with maximum thermal insulation and noise reductionStructural Engineer: Martin Augenstein, Werner Zuber
Building Engineers: Hans-Dieter Hammer, Roland Jockel
Consulting Architect: Achim Dannenberg
Image Credits: Screen ID: Images 2-7, SDL: Images 1, 8-11
