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Architects: Bechter Zaffignani Architekten
- Year: 2014
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Photographs:Rasmus Norlander
Text description provided by the architects. A typical neighborhood, like any other neighborhood in Vorarlberg's Rhine Valley, characterizes the environment of the new building. All this are visible signs of an urban sprawl. Faceless places built with scattered settlements and single- family homes are signs of an emerging urbanization and densification of the Rhine Valley.
The property was originally developed by a two-storey family house in the style of the old Rhine Valley houses. A fire destroyed the old building years ago. Due to the given size and form of the land - the narrowest point shows only a width of approximately 10.5m - and the access for the fire service for the eastern neighbours on the other side, the possibilities for a multi-storey building were limited .
The most promising solution was a single-floor-house with courtyard, which integrates the exterior spaces to extend the internal spaces to the plot boundary. With the terrace on top of the house the whole neighborhood can be overseen. Its easy to relax here and to get as much sunlight as possible all day long.
The living and dining areas in the building are defined as open and flowing spaces. The private rooms are grouped together at the rear end of the building. All rooms are connected by the outer courtyard, which in summer is used as an additional living area. The house is heated by gas with underfloor heating. Water heating is supported by solar panels. The floors and the primary structure of the ground floor are built in concrete. The building is founded with micropiles.
The property is surrounded with a 1.80 m high concrete wall that defines a protected outdoor area. The facade and the wall is made of exposed concrete with wood texture.
