In a quiet village in southern Germany, Villa Mahler defies conventional expectations. The striking L-shaped residence, designed by architect Anna Philipp in close partnership with Eichkorn, is immediately set apart by its minimal yet evocative material palette.
Its charred wooden facade, juxtaposed with exposed concrete, nods subtly to its rural surroundings while proclaiming an unmistakable modernity. This is no ordinary residence but rather a sculptural composition where each material and form has been meticulously curated, bearing testament to shared values of precision, durability, and artistry.
The collaboration between Philipp Architekten and the Black Forest-based Eichkorn atelier—led by Felix Eichkorn and Ruben Rebmann—took root in a common dedication to the Bauhaus principles of interdisciplinary synergy and enduring beauty. Villa Mahler is their first full-scale residential project, conceived not just as a home but as a holistic statement on architectural unity. From the beginning, the architects were aligned in their approach to fuse contemporary aesthetics with artisanal heritage, resulting in a residence that stands as an emblem of timeless design and craftsmanship.
Central to this vision is the seamless transition from the villa’s exterior to its interior spaces. The sculptural wood and metal treatments developed by Eichkorn—a unique blend of charred timber, rich patinas, and custom blackened steel panels—reflect a dedication to both tradition and innovation. Meanwhile, Philipp’s spatial composition harmonizes each detail, balancing form with function in a manner that feels both anchored in the landscape and transcendent of it. Large windows frame views of the serene apple orchards, while every interior surface plays its role in shaping a tranquil yet dynamic environment for the villa’s artist-resident.
The building’s lofty, light-filled core, aptly named the “living hall,” combines exposed concrete with panoramic views and soaring ceilings, an architectural choice that highlights the residence’s material essence. Each element has been carefully chosen to complement the villa’s tone and spatial flow, from Belgian textile designer Nathalie Van der Massen’s opulent woven carpets to custom lighting installations by PSLab that softly illuminate the interiors.
Villa Mahler represents an exceptional intersection of design philosophies, drawing on inspirations that range from Japanese minimalism to the artisanship of ancient craft. The residence embodies a delicate balance between legacy and innovation, a hallmark of the Bauhaus spirit adapted to contemporary standards. As Philipp explains, true beauty in architecture lies in its ability to foster a sense of belonging and authenticity—a principle deeply ingrained in this collaborative work. For Eichkorn, the project is a testament to the potential of quality-focused design: every detail, down to the sculptural bronze bedside tables and tailored furniture, reinforces their commitment to creating spaces that stand the test of time.
Through this thoughtful collaboration, Villa Mahler achieves something rare—a residence that is both a retreat and a source of creative inspiration, seamlessly merging architectural rigor with artisanal warmth. It is a vision rooted in respect for material integrity and an unwavering dedication to craft, offering a quietly profound statement on the future of design: enduring, harmonious, and deeply connected to place.
