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ART Special sample 8

A dialogue with nature

A house that breathes. A place where energy can once again flow freely. A home for those who seek not to live apart from nature, but in harmony with it. This philosophy defines the biophilic design of the remarkable HUF house in Ascot – the result of a precise and thoughtful dialogue between architect Peter Huf, the homeowners, and the unique character of the site.

For those who observe closely, every plot of land possesses its own spatial energy – a subtle interplay of topography, sightlines, and landscape. This inherent dynamic informs the architectural concept, shaping a home that both responds to and enhances its surroundings.

Where the previous structure appeared as an isolated object with little connection to its environment, the new post-and-beam villa unfolds as a natural counterpart to the garden. With its expansive glass façades, the architecture dissolves boundaries and establishes a seamless relationship between interior and exterior.

“The repositioning of the house is entirely oriented towards nature, opening the architecture to the depth of the site. The landscape is no longer merely visible – it becomes part of everyday living. The building follows the natural slope, integrating effortlessly into the movement of the terrain, as though it were carried by the site’s own flow,” explains Peter Huf.

The topography itself became a defining design element. Across more than 395 square metres, three fully glazed levels accommodate the family’s spatial vision with clarity and elegance. A generous balcony extends the living space on the ground floor while providing shelter to the terrace below, which transitions seamlessly into the garden.

Accessible from multiple levels, the outdoor areas are conceived as an integral part of the home – inviting moments of relaxation in the outdoor kitchen, quiet retreat in the landscaped garden, or revitalisation in the pool.

House: ART Special
Heating: Heatpump
Dimensions: 17,20 m x 12,40 m
Roof pitch: Flat roof
House footprint: 167,23 m² / 1800 sqft
Features: Outdoor kitchen, Pool

Thanks to its vertical composition, the HUF house reduces its footprint by around a quarter – allowing more space for the surrounding landscape to unfold. The architectural order is defined by a clear central axis that connects garden, pool, and house, creating a coherent spatial narrative.

“The architecture follows a calm, balanced symmetry, where both sides of the structure are equally weighted and the centre is deliberately emphasised. The view is guided through the house into the garden – a spatial composition that unites interior and exterior into one continuous experience,” explains the architect.

The roofline introduces a subtle yet expressive gesture. While the lateral sections are defined by a flat roof with generous overhangs, this linear clarity is intentionally softened at the centre by a gently rising, slightly inclined form. This nuanced movement not only draws additional daylight into the main bedroom but also lends the overall composition a refined sense of lightness.

The harmonious proportions create a positive spatial energy – complemented by a forward-thinking energy concept. A 16 kWp photovoltaic system integrated into the roof generates sufficient power for hot water, heating, and lighting, while an environmentally efficient heat pump ensures sustainable climate control. Together with advanced engineering, these features enable the HUF house to achieve a carbon-neutral footprint – producing more energy than it consumes.

A further architectural highlight is the planted roof of the carport, which, when viewed from the upper-level gallery, reads as an extension of the garden – reinforcing the seamless connection between built form and landscape.

In every detail, the HUF house strengthens the relationship between people, nature, and architecture – creating a meaningful synergy that enhances everyday living.

Floor plans

Basement

Ground floor

First floor

Impressions

HUF house ART Special