Project Size: 3,294 square feet

Site Size: 9,591 square feet

Program: A family of four desired an unusual contemporary design for its house on a hillside overlooking a valley in suburban Stuttgart, Germany. Emphasizing views of the landscape, the new house is a lively departure from the neighboring housing stock, most of which dates to the 1960s.

Solution: With a striking resemblance to Pac-Man, the 1980s video game, the reinforced concrete three-story structure has a recessed band of floor-to-ceiling glazing across the second floor. The pitched roof, fitted with solar panels, and the balcony are clad in pre-weathered zinc plates.

Residents enter the house on the ground floor, with a utility room and bathing area, and ascend a winding sculptural stair to reach the main living space above. The second floor features an open floor plan with living, kitchen, and dining areas facing the window wall and balcony. Another stair leads to a set of bedrooms at the top. All of the rooms are defined with lightweight drywall partitions, and the floor is covered in a uniform white polished concrete.