Haus Südeifel
Careful Renovation of a Typical Eifel Farmhouse
Nestled amid the historic fabric of a village in the Southern Eifel lies this classic farmhouse. Built in a style typical of the region, it combines a residential wing dating from around 1700 with the adjacent barn to form a historically protected complex. However, the original character of this ensemble was obscured in the 1970s by extensive alterations: a tiled base, modified window openings, an asbestos facade, night storage heaters, and numerous interior modifications made the historic structure barely recognizable. The goal of the renovation was to uncover this core and restore the architectural quality to view. The layers of alterations were removed, the sandstone walls were exposed, and the historic roof truss was integrated in a visible manner. Today, this dark oak structural framework forms the spatial backbone of the interior and, in combination with the space-defining cross-laminated timber elements and the tall, open rooms, lends the living areas a timeless quality.
Externally, the new roof design draws inspiration from the immediate surroundings. The reinstalled Klöntür—a two-part, functional door—offers a contemporary interpretation of a traditional regional element. The renovated barn door also relates directly to the existing structure and emphasizes the ensemble’s rural character. The large opening facing the rear garden brings plenty of natural light into the kitchen and dining area and connects the historic structure with a redefined outdoor space. The clients placed particular emphasis on a functional, professionally equipped kitchen area and spacious, open living areas that allow for movement and flexible use.
The barn was reimagined as an extension of the main house. Today, it houses a combination of a pool, a bar, and a workshop, thus remaining true to its original role as a functional, open structure. Here, too, the dialogue between old and new is preserved throughout, thanks to exposed sandstone walls, warm wooden surfaces, and modern interior design.
The result is a house that now reveals its historical origins on the outside, while presenting a contemporary architectural vision on the inside. Sustainable transformation here does not lie in the museum-like preservation of what already exists, but rather in its careful further development based on the identity of the site.
