Warfthouse
The Warfthouse is located on a dwelling mound (Warft) in the district of Morsum on the island of Sylt and offers views of the surrounding salt marsh landscape that do not cease to amaze.
Infos
Location | Sylt, Germany |
Size | 350 sqm |
Year of Construction | 1980, 2019 – 2021 |
Status | completed + sold |
Photography | Annika Feuss |
Painting | Eugen Bracht |
About
Houses have been built on mounds to protect against storm surges since the 3rd century BC. The slightly elevated position of the house allows a wonderful view of the surrounding salt marsh landscape as far as the nearby dyke. The brick house, built in the 1980's, is positioned right in the centre of the estate. A lushly planted path winding up the mound leads to the entrance at the side of the house, with a typical Frisian cloister door.
The house was completely renovated. Great importance was placed on preserving and emphasising the true character of the house. It being a house from the 1980's is a very special task, for the house is not a classic Friesland cottage with picturesque details, nor was it to be newly built. The task was to find a design that takes into account the straightforward nature of the building while at the same time adding to the cosiness a weekend home, most of all, needs.
The key to this renovation was the inspiration found at the nearby Morsum cliff, a nature reserve in the immediate vicinity of the house, which is not at all surprising seeing the sheer beauty of these rock formations. After all, what is most impressive about this project is the way it is set into the vastness of the flat salt marsh landscape and consistently offers new perspectives on nature's most fascinating displays on the horizon.
Thus, the colour palette of all the chosen materials originates from the spectrum of the Morsum cliff. The geological layers of the cliff produce colours ranging from rusty red to brilliant white because of the limonite sandstone and kaolin sand. Over a length of around 2.000 metres, a natural spectacle unfolds that has always fascinated people and especially artists.
The terracotta tiles on the ground floor take the lead in terms of interior design and match the shades of the limonite sandstone. All furniture fixtures are kept in whitewashed oak with visible grain to mirror the kaolin sand of the cliff and function as a contemporary and restraint background for the expressive flooring. The rest of the interior is accentuated by light linen textiles as well as warm natural oiled oak furniture.
The consistent choice of colour underlines the location of the project and enables a fusion of rural design elements and contemporary nonchalance.