Interview with Christine Lechner of Lechner & Lechner Architects

by Anton Giuroiu | Published on: February 26, 2025

Christine Lechner is an esteemed Austrian architect and the co-founder of Lechner & Lechner Architects, a prominent architectural firm based in Salzburg. Founded in 1987 alongside her husband, Horst Lechner, the firm quickly rose to prominence following their innovative redesign of the Austrian Federal Railways’ passenger cars. Lechner’s educational foundation was laid at the University of Design in Linz, where she cultivated a profound appreciation for sustainable and holistic architectural solutions.

Lechner & Lechner Architects is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and the integration of modern design into sensitive historical and natural contexts. The firm’s extensive international reach includes significant projects in Germany, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. Among its many accolades, the firm received the prestigious Architecture Prize of the State of Salzburg in 2010 for the Lechner Residential and Studio House—a project not originally submitted for competition, highlighting its outstanding merit. Additionally, the firm has been honored with international awards such as the Architizer A+Awards for “Best X-Small Firm” in 2024 and the LIV Hospitality Design Award. These recognitions underscore the firm’s influence and Christine Lechner’s visionary leadership in shaping contemporary architecture with an enduring commitment to environmental and aesthetic integrity.

What inspires you?

I am personally inspired by excursions and the spatial impressions associated with them—especially when experienced in active dialogue with colleagues..

What inspired you to become an architect?

Growing up in a rural environment, I was first introduced to architecture through a family friend. The strong spatial impressions left a lasting impact on me. Encouraged by my art teacher, I ultimately decided to study architecture in Linz under Professor Friedrich Goffitzer. His holistic approach to architecture as a total work of art, as exemplified in the New Synagogue in Linz, has profoundly shaped my design philosophy.

How would you describe your design philosophy?

For us, every building is a Gesamtkunstwerk—a total work of art—composed of many interwoven aspects. It begins with a strong urban planning concept that responds to both the urban and natural landscape, creating added value for its surroundings. It culminates in meticulously crafted details, down to the last handle.
We place great importance on tailoring each building to the needs of its users, ensuring its longevity and relevance—an essential aspect of sustainability in our view. A building can only be considered sustainable if it remains in use over time.
Beyond that, we are committed to working with sustainable, locally sourced materials such as timber and to designing energy-efficient buildings. The books Factor Four and Factor Five by Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker have been particularly influential in shaping our approach.

What is your favorite project?

One of my favorite projects is the Villa Ottolenghi by Carlo Scarpa. I find the sensitive treatment of topography particularly inspiring, as it allows the building to integrate harmoniously into the landscape.

What is your favorite architectural detail?

We often work with the concept of “groundless architecture.” A detail we frequently employ at various scales is the suspension of objects. The tensile forces involved create delicate proportions, reinforcing a sense of lightness. This suspended architecture also enhances the perception of spatial generosity.

Do you have a favorite material?

We appreciate materials that feel raw and “authentic.” This includes a variety of wood surfaces, raw iron, and exposed concrete—used where required for fire protection or in contact with the ground. Nothing is concealed; rather, we deliberately showcase the inherent beauty of materials in their raw state.

What is your process for starting a new project?

At the start of a project, we explore all possibilities and engage deeply with the site and its context. The first step is to analyze the placement of the building mass on the site, considering key parameters such as sightlines, urban context, zoning regulations, and other constraints. We then work closely with the client to develop the spatial program, using 3D sketches and physical models to visualize spatial relationships.
In the next phase, we determine the structural system based on the building’s form. The chosen construction method plays a decisive role in defining the materiality, which remains a consistent theme throughout the project. Additionally, the urban or natural context significantly influences the selection of surface materials, ensuring that the architecture responds appropriately to its surroundings.

How do you balance function and creativity in your designs?

We address the diverse demands of a project by embracing Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s philosophy:
“It is the duty of architecture to transform the useful, practical, and functional into something beautiful.”

How does the environment influence your work?

Topography and historical context are fundamental to our design process. In natural landscapes, we strive to integrate buildings harmoniously into their surroundings. On sloped sites, we take advantage of the terrain to create structures that appear to merge with the landscape—such as the Gerlos Youth Hostel, which is “embedded deep within the landscape,” revealing its spatial depth only upon entry.
In urban contexts, historical considerations play a crucial role. In the medieval and Baroque old town of Salzburg, for example, we pay close attention to materiality, ensuring our buildings remain true to their surroundings. A case in point is our own house, whose lime plaster façade is enriched with mother-of-pearl, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its historic setting.

How do you collaborate with clients to achieve their vision?

It is essential for us to develop a shared vision with our clients and refine it through ongoing dialogue. We place great emphasis on understanding their functional needs in detail so that we can translate them into an architectural concept that is both thoughtful and precise.

What inspired amoprh living sculpture?

The form of the Living Sculpture emerged from the unique characteristics of its site. The plot only touches the Leopoldskroner Weiher at a single point, making it imperative to orient the building in a way that fully incorporates the water into the experience.
Beyond the lake, key sightlines to the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Untersberg mountain, with its alpine landscape, also played a crucial role in determining the building’s orientation. A traditional rectilinear floor plan would not have maximized these views. Instead, we opted for a fluid spatial arrangement that directs the gaze and integrates all essential visual connections.

How did materiality shape the design of the amoprh living sculpture?

The Living Sculpture was built using a timber frame construction. Given its organic, curvilinear form and exposure to extreme alpine weather conditions, choosing a durable exterior material was critical. We selected Polyurea, a material also used in Schönbrunn Zoo’s rhinoceros enclosure in Vienna, due to its exceptional resilience and performance.