Architecture with a view: where clean lines meet idyllic forest vibes

Architectural eye-catcher and technical state of the art: this residence in Nürnberg demonstrates how modern design, sustainable building and smart Gira technology form a perfect symbiosis.

Anyone building or renovating a home today thinks not only in terms of form and function, but also of sustainability, energy efficiency and everyday comfort. In Nürnberg, a residence has been created that meets all of these demands and then some. 

It combines clean-lined architecture with cutting-edge smart home technology from Gira, all while being firmly rooted in nature. Located right on the edge of the forest, the house offers more than just a view of the greenery: it also provides a glimpse into the future of modern living. 

This single-family home in the northeast of Nürnberg was designed by Markus Gentner Architekten. The aim: to create contemporary architecture that fosters a modern living atmosphere. Clear lines carefully planned spatial flow, and a restrained choice of materials create a calm, almost meditative environment. 

The 260-square-metre villa is situated in Rückersdorf near Nürnberg, on a sloped plot at the edge of the Sebalder Reichswald. Expansive glass façades open the house up to the valley side, allowing natural light to pour in generously. The striking design – two horizontal concrete bands, framing louvres and an elegant flat roof – stands for uncompromising clarity. 

The recessed rooftop terrace on the upper floor creates a private open-air oasis with sweeping views. Throughout the home, a deliberately pared-down material concept is at play: exposed concrete, glass, galvanised steel and oak wood define both the exterior and interior. 

This combination feels pure but never cold. Where concrete adds structure, warm wood provides a sense of cosiness in the form of bespoke furniture, a historic dining table or clever built-in features like a long bookshelf that doubles as a balustrade. Generous windows flood the living spaces with daylight and offer views of the surrounding greenery. 

The bathrooms, too, impress with minimalist elegance: a plain concrete base with a slim surface, a wall-mounted tap, doors with recessed grips instead of handles – reduction in its purest form, thoughtfully executed down to the smallest detail. 

In everyday life, modern Gira technology delivers maximum convenience. At the heart of it all is the Gira KNX system with the Gira X1 server, which intelligently links all functions – from lighting and blinds to heating. With switches, a touch display or an app, users can activate personalised scenarios, such as a "good morning" mode that gently brings lighting and heating to life. 

The system helps save energy while boosting security through programmable presence simulations and automatic shutters. It’s also easy to expand – making it ideal for future needs or extra rooms. 

Throughout the interior, Gira technology blends seamlessly with the design scheme. The Gira pushbutton sensor 4.95 offers not only a wealth of functionality but also a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. With a finely tuned LED status display and clear iconography, lighting moods, temperature and shading can be intuitively controlled – a real treat for design lovers. 

In the centrally located hallway, the Gira G1 brings together all of the home’s functions. This compact touch display serves as the control centre: from here, users can conveniently manage settings across the house – from the underfloor heating in the bathroom to the outdoor lighting. The elegant user interface integrates smoothly into the understated interior. 

This residence is a shining example of how modern architecture, sustainability and smart technology can come together in perfect harmony. Gira products play a key role in this: they integrate effortlessly into the home’s design, offer maximum functionality and make everyday life noticeably more comfortable.