Living and working under one roof

The House SF is located in Altenberg, Upper Austria, on the edge of a newly zoned rural housing area. Designed as a residence and workspace, the project centers around a timber construction that unifies domestic life and professional activity. Two offset volumes divide the interior functions and generate expansive, covered outdoor areas for use as terraces, carports, and storage.

Architectural clarity through timber

A fixed timber grid defines the structural rhythm of the house, allowing maximum flexibility and spatial openness. Repeated rows of double wooden columns can be left exposed or clad for built-in shelves, balustrades, or galleries. The expressive roof overhangs not only provide weather protection but also soften the transition between inside and out, reinforcing the building’s connection to its setting.

A spatial heart at the center

The core of the house is a generous, two-story living room and kitchen that links all zones—public, private, and professional. This central void is more than a gathering space; it acts as a spatial mediator between the secluded retreats and the working quarters, enhancing daily flow and interaction within the home.

Low energy and lasting materials

Built almost entirely from timber—except for the concrete base slab—the house aligns with low-energy principles. White-glazed wood paneling creates a bright, calming interior, while large openings to the south frame expansive views of the unspoiled Alpine surroundings. Heating and ventilation rely on an air-source heat pump, underscoring the project’s ecological sensibility.

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