Kebony has created a striking architectural statement on the shores of Lake Wardersee in Germany.

Designed by Hamburg architect Matthias Mecklenburg, this monolithic residence clad in black Kebony wood engages with its natural environment while asserting a strong and sculptural presence.

Nicknamed "the black diamond by the lake," the house adopts a deliberately simple silhouette, inspired by traditional farm buildings. Closed off from the street and largely open to the lake, it seems to emerge from the landscape rather than impose itself upon it.

Despite its deliberately monolithic exterior, the house reveals a bright and welcoming interior. Generous bay windows frame the landscape and allow natural light to flood the living spaces. This contrast between the depth of the black facade and the brightness of the interiors contributes to the architectural richness of the project, transforming each room into a veritable vantage point overlooking the lake and the surrounding forest.

The project is distinguished by its particularly ambitious use of Kebony wood. The facade, roof, loggia, terrace, and pontoon utilize different Kebony Character and Kebony Clear profiles, creating a material continuity rarely seen in contemporary residential architecture.

For the façade and roof, project architect Matthias Mecklenburg chose black Kebony Character profiles laid in alternating widths to create an organic and dynamic rhythm. The exterior spaces (terrace, loggia, and pontoon) are constructed from Kebony Clear, selected for its durability, ease of use, and natural aesthetic appeal.

"This project is almost a demonstration project for Kebony; we used almost everything that makes them strong," emphasizes Matthias Mecklenburg.

One of the project's unique features lies in the deep black finish applied to the Kebony wood. Conceived as a true architectural experiment, this shade allows the building to blend into the forest while absorbing light and enhancing the contemplative character of the place.

This project also marks one of Kebony's first experiments with a black-tinted facade in Germany. The company supported the project's development with samples and specific technical assistance to explore this new aesthetic potential of the material.

Developed in Norway, Kebony technology transforms softwood from certified forests using a patented bio-based process. The wood thus acquires properties comparable to, or even superior to, those of tropical woods: high durability, dimensional stability, weather resistance, and low maintenance.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Wardersee project is part of a broader reflection on the future of construction. For architect Matthias Mecklenburg, wood now represents a credible alternative to materials that emit significant amounts of CO₂.

"We know that we can no longer continue to build at the same pace with concrete. Sustainable and renewable materials are the future," he says.