Cloud Cuckoo House

Cloud Cuckoo House was featured in our report, Design Matters: world class buildings by UK architects. The house in the Black Forest, Germany, sits at an altitude of 800 metres above sea level.

When fog drifts into the valley, the family home floats above the clouds, with a magical view across the fairytale landscape of the Upper-Rhine area.

The steeply sloping site was home to a humble suburban detached house, which the occupants had outgrown. Part of this was removed, leaving a one storey concrete platform with new rooms and a new building which now floats above. The new prefabricated timber structure sits on the platform, providing a series of open plan living spaces under one big roof. An eight metre wide gallery window gives panoramic views 50 kilometres down the valley.

Speaking about the value of exporting architecture across the world, Markus Seifermann of ÜberRaum Architects says: "As architects we are in a fortunate position. We can learn so much from other building cultures, resulting in our designs becoming ultimately more enriched and better through that experience."

The design which emerged combines a series of open spaces, reminiscent of the slopes of a vineyard," Markus Seifermann added. "The interior evokes the atmosphere of a mountain cottage.

The client family were fully involved with the design and they love living in their new home. For us, this is the biggest compliment."

Building information

• Location: Black Forest, Germany
• Architect: ÜberRaum Architects
• Client: Private client
• Use: Residential
• Internal area: 220 m²

Read about more examples of architects' work across the world.