Low-cost, low-impact Neiling II house was built out of reclaimed wood

Architect Peter Grundmann's latest work is a wonderful, small, low-cost home designed for a single inhabitant.

Located on a rugged landscape 30 miles from Berlin, House Neiling II was crafted from glass and reclaimed wood and radiates a rustic warmth that invites you to curl up and relax. Elevated above the ground, the house has a small impact on the landscape. The project explores the limits of prefab building and DIY design, although you wouldn’t guess it by its modern aesthetic.

The Neiling II House is located in an area called Löwenberger Land, surrounded by agriculture, tiny villages and spread out solitary houses. It was built using materials left over from a demolished private home and was built around old brick barn, which determined its final design. The home’s bolted wooden body stands 50 inches above ground causing minimal impact while avoiding the need for foundation.

The freestanding DIY furniture was custom-made by designer Thomas Pohl, who also provided the glass facade, bathroom and kitchen’s fixtures. The home’s radically open design allows a strong indoor-outdoor connection creating a sense of openness, transparency and lightness. During the warm summer months, the interiors seem to expand into the cool shaded terrace via the broad, tall glazing.