Heinz Bienefeld (1926–1995) was a singular figure in twentieth-century German architecture. His work, as focused as it is exquisite, is remarkable for the unique way in which it synthesised tradition and modernity. Among Bienefeld’s masterworks are Babanek and Kühnen, two houses that are examined in detail in this publication.
Bienefeld’s distinct approach, which he developed in fierce opposition to the prevailing spirit of the times,is a source of fascination to the architectural photographer Klaus Kinold and the architecture writer Wilfried Wang: his ground plans were based on classical models such as Vitruvius and Palladio, he had a passion for measure and proportion, and he was devoted to the smallest details of craftsmanship and the pursuit of beauty. In his text on the “Architect of Silence”, Wang also discusses Bienefeld’s close relationships with his predominantly private clients.
