Architecture For Communal Living: Dupli Casa By J. Mayer H.

German architect J. Mayer H. was challenged to create a villa for a family and the families of their offspring. The original house had been built on the same spot in 1988 and since, several modifications and additions were made to that house.

Now, starting from scratch on the footprint left by the original house, J. Mayer H. created three spacious entities, structurally connected -- with private living quarters on the top floor and common rooms on the main floor. He created the villa geometrically, by duplicating his first plan and then rotating it, once for the second domicile and twice for the third for the third.

 

 

The interior architecture of the Dupli Casa is even more magnificent than you might imagine with a wide bright expansive entry hall pouring into geometrically-proportioned "breakout" rooms.

Notice that natural lighting is provided by skylights...

... and that direct sunlight is prevented from entering the spacious windows by the overhanging exterior structure.

You can easily envision a kids' playroom here and maybe a cozy living room, a music room or library in the other main floor breakout rooms.

The Dupli Casa overlooks the Neckar Valley in Germany; the villa provides spectacular views of the Neckar Valley on one side and the old town of Marbach on the other. Both views can be seen from the lower level and the grounds. At night, the villa seems to be what's viewed from below.

 

Not too many of us can afford a villa as grand as the Dupli Casa, but the architectural concept is very practical for communal living. As the cost of living becomes more and more expensive, communal living becomes more practical, especially for close family and friends. Something to think about.