Holzbox House

Residential house design is fundamentally about adapting to changing lifestyles while maintaining a strong connection to context, and Holzbox House by HGA Henning Grahn Architektur exemplifies this approach through a precise intervention between existing and new architecture. The project is based on the renovation and expansion of a small family home with a traditional gable roof, reconfigured to meet the spatial needs of a young family through the addition of a contemporary volume. The central concept revolves around the relationship between old and new, expressed through a clearly defined wooden box that attaches to and overlaps the existing structure. Rather than creating a contrast, the extension blends with the original roofline while simultaneously redefining the overall massing. Internally, this relationship becomes more complex: the two structures intersect both spatially and functionally, forming a continuous sequence of spaces that gradually increase in height from the kitchen to the dining area, culminating in a double-height living room gallery. A key architectural move is the elevation of both the existing floor and the new wooden volume by approximately one meter. This strategy not only allows seamless internal circulation between old and new spaces but also protects the building from potential flooding due to a nearby stream. The extension itself is constructed using sustainable timber framing and solid wood ceilings, reinforcing the project’s environmental performance while maintaining a warm and tactile interior atmosphere. The façade of the new volume is defined by specially treated MDF panels installed without visible fixings, creating a clean and monolithic appearance. Openings are deliberately minimal, with each elevation appearing to contain a single window. However, these are in fact composed of multiple combined elements, generating varied interior views and maximizing natural light. Larch wood windows—used in both the renovated structure and the extension—visually unify the composition. The project extends into the landscape through a series of steps leading to a secluded backyard, where outdoor spaces are integrated into daily living. Overall, Holzbox House represents a thoughtful transformation of an existing dwelling, combining sustainable construction, spatial clarity, and a nuanced dialogue between historical and contemporary architecture.