Haus am See Residential House

Beginning orientation for this architectural photograph, we encounter a contemporary lakeside residence viewed from across a calm body of water on an overcast day, the scene organized in horizontal bands from water to sky. Starting at the bottom edge, two weathered wooden posts rise from the water in the immediate foreground, their silvered grey surfaces rough as driftwood, marking what appears to be a dock extending toward the viewer. The water surface occupies the lower portion, its color a cool grey-green like aged bronze, with gentle ripples catching soft light. Moving upward, a stone embankment constructed from coursed limestone blocks in warm cream and honey tones, textured like rough bread crust, creates a substantial retaining wall perhaps two meters tall. At the water's edge, rounded river stones in varied greys and tans create a naturalistic transition. Above this stone base, a terraced garden level appears, with manicured lawn in fresh spring green and young ornamental trees with delicate branching structures. The main residence occupies the upper middle portion, its form reading as two interconnected rectangular volumes clad entirely in vertical timber boards that have weathered to a soft silvered grey, smooth in appearance yet suggesting the linear grain of wood. The left volume projects dramatically forward, supported by an angular steel truss system in warm rust-brown tones forming V-shaped supports. Expansive windows wrap these volumes in horizontal bands, their surfaces reflecting the surrounding trees like dark mirrors. A mature deciduous tree, likely an oak, rises through the composition left of center, its massive trunk covered in textured bark, ivy climbing its surface, its spreading canopy creating a natural umbrella of leaves in mixed greens transitioning toward golden yellow. Additional trees frame the scene at edges, their foliage creating a forest backdrop that softens into atmospheric haze. The overall atmosphere feels peaceful, contemplative, with the cool diffused light of an overcast day creating gentle shadows and muted, harmonious tones throughout.

Ancient trees, the water and nature preserved terraces determined the concept of architect Carlos Zwick. Today, this passive house with its sustainable building materials integrates respectfully into its surroundings. The wooden windows connect the living spaces with the lake. The loggia seems to float above the water and a large maple tree grows through the living room. The large crowns of the ancient oaks and chestnuts take the modern tree house with its restrained wooden facade in their midst.