In the rural Hamburg district of Marmstorf in Germany, architect Laura Hirsch has created a modern home of her own. The split-level house demonstrates how architectural design can balance open, social spaces with privacy and retreat.
Surrounded by woodland and farmland, Marmstorf on Hamburg’s southern edge is known as a peaceful, semi-rural residential area. On Kleefeld Street, the single-sided row of houses offers an open view towards the northeast across trees and fields. The narrow, sloping plots, however, mean that the houses sit close together. Faced with these spatial conditions, architect Laura Hirsch chose a split-level concept for her new home.
“Designing a house for yourself is probably the most difficult yet most rewarding task for any architect,” says Laura Hirsch.
Overcoming topographical challenges. “For an architect, designing your own home is probably the most difficult yet most beautiful task,” says Laura Hirsch. “Our challenge was this sloping plot in the south of Hamburg. In front, there’s a view across the fields; behind, the sun; and on both sides, very close neighbours.”
After two years of planning and construction, the result is an open, light-filled home with 186 square metres of living space. The house stands out from its neighbours thanks to its split-level design.
Bright, open living areas for a welcoming atmosphere
The detached family home was built as a timber-frame construction on a reinforced concrete basement. From the street, a level driveway leads directly into the garage, above which lie the living room and children’s bedrooms, each with access to a private roof terrace.
An inserted intermediate level with kitchen and dining area offers views and direct access to the garden. Another roof terrace extends from the open-plan living room. Nearly all living spaces are interconnected, and large windows flood the interior with natural light.
The facade is characterised by square-cut Douglas fir battens, a conifer species known for its warm tones and resilience. In front of both roof terraces, the timber elements open out to create a lighter, more transparent effect. This way, the split-level house remains screened from neighbouring views while opening up towards the garden in the southwest, providing clear sightlines into the surrounding greenery.
Thoughtful design down to the last detail
Inside, too, the architect left nothing to chance. For the floors on the ground and intermediate levels, she chose polished screed, which blends harmoniously with the light wood furnishings and predominantly white walls.
“We stayed true to the materials. Wood, concrete, and white rendered surfaces reveal exactly what the house is made of,” explains Laura Hirsch. “A robust backdrop for family life.”
The choice of wall switches also reflects the home’s understated, natural aesthetic. The timeless Gira E2 design line in white, with its clean, angular form, integrates seamlessly into the overall look.
In addition, the homeowner selected the splash-protected Gira TX_44 design line, which is particularly well suited for damp rooms and outdoor areas. With its distinctive structure, Laura Hirsch’s home makes optimal use of the site conditions and the surrounding landscape. Her split-level house demonstrates how architecture can create bright, open spaces even on a limited footprint, without compromising on privacy.
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