SOMAA's House in Process in Ludwigsburg Evolved Over 13 Years Into a Charred-Timber Home
Between 2013 and 2026, SOMAA Architektur & Innenarchitektur, located in Stuttgart, reimagined a 1961 home in Ludwigsburg, Germany, for a family of four. The original building was retained and enveloped in a ventilated facade crafted from charred timber, inspired by the Japanese yakisugi technique. The striking contrast of gold-anodised window reveals and a brass front door against the dark exterior adds visual interest. Inside, the design showcases lighter tones, updated surfaces, and reconfigured areas to enhance family life. An extension in the loft was added, along with a comprehensive energy retrofit featuring wood-fibre insulation, a well-insulated roof, triple glazing, an air-to-water heat pump, and a photovoltaic system. This project highlights architecture that evolves over time and through client interactions.
Key facts
- House in Process is a redesign of an existing 1961 property in Ludwigsburg, Germany, for a family of four
- Stuttgart-based SOMAA Architektur & Innenarchitektur developed the home with its owners between 2013 and 2026
- The exterior is a ventilated skin of charred timber following Japanese yakisugi principles
- Gold-anodised window reveals and a brass front door accent the blackened facade
- A roof replacement enabled a timber-clad loft extension
- Sustainability measures include wood-fibre insulation, an insulated pitched roof, triple glazing, an air-to-water heat pump and in-roof photovoltaics
- A natural pool was added to the garden and deck areas
- Studio founder Hadi A Tandawardaja is quoted on reduction as conscious focus
Entities
Artists
- Hadi A Tandawardaja
- Ellie Stathaki
- Tadao Ando
- Rem Koolhaas
Institutions
- SOMAA Architektur & Innenarchitektur
- Wallpaper*
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- The Bartlett
- Thames & Hudson
Locations
- Ludwigsburg
- Germany
- Stuttgart
- Thessaloniki
- Greece
- London
- United Kingdom