Disassembled House / Innocad Architecture
- region:
330 sqm
year:
2022
Text description provided by the architects. Located in the hilly outskirts of Linz, the third largest city in Austria and closely linked to the steel industry, this private residence was commissioned by a businessman and art collector. Respecting the context of the site’s pre-existing environment, several stone walls, a historic vault structure, and statuary trees have been preserved in the new building.
In response to the gentle slope, the disassembled house volume consists of three main sections: a vertical directional section, a horizontal section, and a floating section. This tension-filled trinity is intertwined in the built-up structures present in the topography and bordered by two far-reaching trees. By deconstructing the whole scale into parts, the new building portions relate to the scale of the surrounding family homes. This expansion results in spaces with distinct qualities and gradual transitions from inside to outside while also meeting functional requirements.
The residence is entered through the vertical section, which contains the guest quarters and garage from where an exterior shaded staircase leads to the patio, connecting the backyard and the stately garden at the front. This hybrid intermediate space blurs the boundary between inside and outside, transitioning into a second volume with an accessible deck and private working and living spaces. A wooden terrace extends towards the third part, which is a cantilever pool. To provide shade while retaining the simple design, the perforated steel façade detaches and folds down over the exterior area.
The architecture is based on the concept of an evolution of the design by utilizing the existing vaulted cellar as the base for the main house. The sustainable preservation of the old structure reinforces the identity and ensures the integrity of the new additions. Anchoring the past creates an immediate connection between the Genius site and the new residents. The historic stone wall is complemented by a reduced material selection; Wooden floors and steel facades pay homage to the iron city of Linz. To deepen the idea of a structure centered on the plot, the metal was left to rust naturally and the wood untreated to match the season, creating an authentic appearance that references the natural cycle of growth and rot.
The interior design follows the tradition of a modern gallery wing, with high ceilings, skylights to illuminate the space with natural light, and floor-to-ceiling windows providing a panoramic view. A revolving rail for the client’s sophisticated artwork collection defines a horizon and creates space for interior interventions such as furniture and built-ins. The minimalist color palette, earthy interior surfaces, wood, leather and stone are associated with the concept of imperfection and the transience of the exterior.
This home with exceptional views of the city and surrounding nature is rooted in the history and context of the site while providing a residential gallery space with a seamless transition between the comfort of the indoors and the natural beauty of the great outdoors.
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