Inside the “Houses with One Pillar” by Buero Wagner

 A Modern Model for Densified Suburban Housing

In the quiet suburb of Söcking, near Starnberg in Germany, architectural studio Buero Wagner has delivered a compelling example of future-oriented suburban living. Their latest project, aptly titled “Houses with One Pillar,” transforms a single residential plot into two thoughtfully designed homes one for a father and another for his son’s family.

This dual-residence concept not only strengthens family connections but also serves as a case study in suburban densification. Inspired by the unimplemented Vision Starnberg 2025 initiative, Buero Wagner demonstrates how compact, socially integrated housing can evolve without disturbing the neighborhood’s architectural rhythm.

Reimagining Suburban Architecture

From One Home to Two: A Family-Focused Urban Concept

Buero Wagner’s design replaces one traditional house with two mirrored gabled homes. Each structure is carefully tailored to suit the residents’ needs, yet both are visually and functionally connected through a pair of adjoining garages and a shared garden.

The project underscores the importance of multi-generational living while also challenging outdated suburban models. In an era where land is increasingly scarce, high-quality densification is not only desirable but essential.

“The design aims to redefine suburban living by showing how socially connected housing can thrive within existing frameworks,” explains Buero Wagner founder Fabian Wagner.

Exterior: A Dialogue Between Charred Timber and Concrete

Dark Wood Facade with Architectural Symmetry

Externally, the two homes mirror one another in both form and materiality. The structures feature steep gabled roofs and a darkened wood facade, created using charred timber cladding — a sustainable technique influenced by Shou Sugi Ban, an ancient Japanese wood preservation method.

This contrast of dark timber against light-colored, exposed concrete reflects a balance between warmth and modernity, giving the homes an unmistakable presence without overwhelming the character of the neighborhood.

Encouraging Community Through Shared Green Space

Surrounding the residences is a shared garden, integrated intentionally to foster neighborly interactions between the two families. The garden wraps organically around both homes, encouraging outdoor connection and supporting the project’s social sustainability goals.

Interior: Open Plans and Structural Simplicity

One Pillar, Endless Possibilities

The project’s name, “Houses with One Pillar,” originates from the unique structural approach of the interior. Inside each home, the ground floor is organized around a central concrete column — the only vertical support in an otherwise open floor plan.

This minimalistic yet expressive structure supports the ceiling, while a cast-in-place concrete kitchen counter wraps directly around the column, merging functionality and architectural elegance.

“It fuses structure, daily use, and spatial experience into a single integrated element,” says Wagner.

Zoned Open Living

• The open-plan layout features a gradual floor drop that subtly separates the dining and living areas.
• A wooden enclosure at one end of the space hides the kitchen, toilet, and entryway, providing both privacy and clean lines.
• Natural light flows through expansive glass doors and windows, enhancing the sense of openness and continuity.

Material Palette and Design Elements

Concrete and Wood in Harmonious Contrast

Buero Wagner took great care in balancing materials that evoke both strength and warmth. Interior concrete surfaces, including the walls and ceilings, were sandblasted to create a softened texture, removing the coldness typically associated with raw concrete.

Complementing the concrete:

• The first-floor levels feature natural wooden flooring for comfort and acoustic warmth.
• A slim black steel staircase acts as a sculptural element, leading to the bedrooms and workspaces above.
• The basement in each house contains utility and storage rooms, cleverly hidden to maintain the minimalist interior ethos.

Table of Materials and Brands Used

The Vision Behind the Design

Balancing Density, Quality, and Identity

While the larger Vision Starnberg 2025 urban strategy was never put into action, Buero Wagner saw an opportunity to implement its ideals on a smaller, real-world scale.

Their design shows how intelligent infill can support population growth and family expansion while preserving the visual and social identity of established neighborhoods.

This aligns with global movements for sustainable urban development, such as:

• UN-Habitat’s Sustainable Urban Development Goals
• The New Urban Agenda by the United Nations
• German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB)

About the Architect: Buero Wagner

Founded in 2016 in Munich, Buero Wagner is an emerging architectural practice focused on material authenticity, spatial clarity, and environmental responsibility. Known for minimalist yet poetic structures, the studio has developed projects ranging from pavilions to offices and residential homes.

Other notable works by Buero Wagner include:

• A black timber pavilion for the German Academy in Rome
• An office expansion in Munich that repurposes industrial materials for modern use

 A Blueprint for the Future

The Houses with One Pillar stand as a testament to what suburban housing can become — sustainable, connected, and thoughtfully dense. Buero Wagner’s work not only responds to the housing needs of today but sets a precedent for how families can live harmoniously in proximity without sacrificing beauty or individuality.

This project offers valuable insights for architects, city planners, and developers seeking to meet growing housing demands while preserving the cultural fabric of existing communities.