ART MUSEUM IN ALTERSHAUSEN, GERMANY
How and why did you decide on a Polar Life Haus?
We were looking for a prefabricated house that could be built quickly to replace the vacated artist’s studio. The house needed to resemble the original studio in both size and ceiling height. One of the artist’s central works, the nearly 4-meter-tall bronze sculpture “Tower,” dictated the ceiling height in the exhibition space.
We were particularly drawn to an image in the Polar Life Haus catalogue and website showing a house with a partially open roof structure above the living room. Our architect was able to promise us nearly complete freedom in the design process.
What do you value in house?
The spacious and open layout of the museum. The pleasant indoor climate provided by Finnish wood is aesthetically pleasing and simply one of the most beautiful building materials.
What is the best thing about your house and why?
The cosy gallery with a view from above of the art collection in the exhibition space, and the outlook onto the greenery through the large glass façade toward the open landscape.
How satisfied are you with your Polar Life Haus project on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 = not satisfied, 10 = very satisfied)?
9–10. The house could perhaps have been a bit larger.
What do you think of the product quality?
The base material, wood, is of the highest quality—cleanly processed and finely planed. All measurements were accurate as delivered from the factory. The professionals involved assembled the house flawlessly and without interruptions.
How did you experience the collaboration with Polar Life Haus?
Our architect was able to realise our vision together with the manufacturer and also overcome some challenges presented by external contractors. The collaboration with the architectural firm Arndt in Wiesentheid was always friendly, our ideas were welcomed and implemented. The on-site support was excellent.
Why would you recommend living in a log house to others?
The indoor climate is unmatched compared to a stone or concrete house. The insulation properties are excellent both in summer and winter.
Final thoughts:
Some of Johann’s colleagues have built holiday homes in Switzerland using Finnish log construction. He was very impressed by the indoor climate. With the full flexibility in design, the high living comfort, and not least the still relatively affordable purchase price, choosing a Polar Life Haus was an easy decision.
Barbara Gebauer & Johann Popp
The Museum of Art within the Polar Life Haus Log house can be visited by appointment under
Tel. +49163 1770703 and e-mail barbara@adon.li.