Folded Corten House / x Architekten

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Architects: x Architekten
Location: Ebelsberg,
Client: Mrs. and Mr. Seebacher
Construction: Mixed Structure
Constructed Area: 215 sqm
Project Year: 2004-2007
Photographs: Max Nirnberger



Task:

The existing building from the 1920s proved itself valuable to the client mainly due to the surrounding garden landscape. Nevertheless, there was the aim to create more space and living quality which was to be realised through revitalisation and extension. The client’s main wishes were the adaptation of the existing building to modern energy standards, a clearer and richer living space, the greatest possible view of the surrounding nature and the integration of garden and terrace areas into the living space and environment.

Location:

The house is embedded in a rural settlement area on the southern border of the city Linz. Due to the growth of the city over the years, the residential area containing family homes that have a garden slowly became part of the urban area.

From the architect’s point of view, this is mainly visible in the additional extensions of the family homes. The property including a house, a garden and an older stock of trees lies on a slightly inclined slope. The slope side is important here as it divides the property into two levels. The resulting difference in floor levels is balanced out by the existing building as well as the extension.

Draft:

Coming home to rural outdoor areas of the city, driving towards the house, parking and getting out of the car, entering the house. Every day, people take these “steps of transition” from the public to the private sphere, from the interior to the exterior.

They are mostly accompanied by a series of uninspirationally strung together spatial sequences: the street, the forecourt, the garage, the staircase, the living room. Based on this, the words “Interior and Exterior” were linked by a unique coherent surface as a synonym for “Being at home and coming home” when building the extension of the existing building. This idea is implemented by folding and cutting the Corten panel which links the public and private area to become a seamless entity. The driveway becomes the living area, which becomes the supporting ceiling, and which then in turn becomes the terrace, the ceiling, the living area and the exit. Everything is seamless. The deep colour of the Corten works by framing and opening the rooms (fitness, sauna and office) and offers generous views and access to the surrounding nature. The extension embraces the archetypically existing building without merging with it. It remains confident and adapts itself at the same time.

Implementation:

The extension of the living area is carried out with a Corten steel surface which enables us to feel more space and views. Its permanent auburn patina emphasises the steel as a carrying material which imposes structure. Compared with the strength of the steel, the glass panels appear to be transparent and light.

We almost get the impression that they are not there. The steel construction presents itself as a strong and confident counterpart next to the existing building with its plastered façade with heat insulation.

 
 
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Lulu says:

Clean.

 
# March 17, 2009 at 06:41
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_m says:

indeed, excellent details materials… pleasant extension :)

 
# March 17, 2009 at 07:03
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One says:

too easy

 
# March 17, 2009 at 08:37
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Richie says:

Very nice.. I like the contrast between the heavy line of the roof and the lightness of the glazing underneath, and it works well with the original house to make a hybrid object that doesn’t look out of place.

 
# March 17, 2009 at 09:44
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odris says:

simple and clean concept

 
# March 17, 2009 at 10:04
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Carlo says:

is there something that you don’ t like, odiris? ;-)

 
# March 17, 2009 at 10:44
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Lulu says:

lol, Carlo!

 
# March 17, 2009 at 10:56
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EDU says:

Odris is WAY critic in his coments!

 
# March 17, 2009 at 12:52
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ZZin says:

I like the simple idea and materials chosen. Old n New always good mix if done properly

 
# March 19, 2009 at 19:24
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LargoJax says:

This little extention must have had a rather large budget. It is beautiful. Why can’t form and function be in line with cost effectiveness? I gues we have to wait…

 
# March 27, 2009 at 12:58
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leopoldo says:

great great …… nice job

 
# March 28, 2009 at 11:16
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R.A says:

Simple, Elegant and works properly as an extension. I also like the idea of folding.

 
# October 9, 2011 at 12:18
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Sama AL-Tamimi says:

Well I think that this design combines between simplicity and creativity at the same time… Although the idea of the building form is unusual (especially for a house), I think that the architect succeeded in creating a combination of regular and irregular forms at the same time, with smart selection of materials… In addition, I feel that the architect succeeded in integrating the exterior environment within the house by having large glazed openings on its façade…

 
# October 9, 2011 at 13:41
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Heba says:

Simplicity is the key word in this design. I like how the extension fitted perfectly with the original

 
# October 10, 2011 at 02:32
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great points altogether, you simply gained a logo new reader. What might you suggest about your publish that you simply made some days ago? Any certain?

 
# November 14, 2011 at 07:14
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11:02 AM Sep 18th

Reading: "Folded Corten House / x Architekten | ArchDaily"( http://twitthis.com/lcyzjc )

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5:02 AM Jan 7th

Folded Corten House / x Architekten | ArchDaily http://t.co/wL8IFRI via @archdaily

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11:06 AM Oct 9th

Folded Corten House / x Architekten | ArchDaily http://t.co/KSw2Xd2Q с помощью @archdaily

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