Perch above the trees | Architects Lechner & Lechner

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On a hillside in the city of Salzburg, an architecturally highly interesting single-family house stands like a high seat directly above the treetops. Building sites on hillsides pose a particular challenge, but the architects at Lechner & Lechner recognized the advantages of the location. The result is a building that makes it possible to experience the slope at its different altitudes, creates a connection to the outside space and enables beautiful distant views. The materials used (wood, exposed concrete and raw iron) appear lively and natural. They are deliberately shown in their raw beauty and create excitement and comfort at the same time.

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(Original text is in German)

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1. The building site

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The building site is located on a hillside above the city of Salzburg and is accessed via a small road. The hillside location offers the possibility of designing a structure that allows the hillside to be experienced at different altitudes. The architectural office Lechner & Lechner realized a building here that creates a connection to the outside space and allows wonderful views of the surrounding mountain landscape.

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2. The structure

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With the exception of the covered forecourt on the ground floor, the structure is kept compact. The forecourt is dominated by the attic, creating a horizontal surface that is particularly valuable on the mountain. The primary reference to the outside space is created by floor-to-ceiling windows, which are oriented to the east, south and west, analogous to the balconies and terraces.

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3. The floor plan

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The floor plan tapers towards the distant view. As a result, the view of the mountain scenery is also possible in the back rooms, even from the bathtub. From the side of the city of Salzburg, the structure appears slim and inconspicuous. The building itself consists of three floors and is entered via the forecourt. Due to the hillside location, the anteroom, which is also the entrance, is on the 1st floor. Here are the guest rooms and a translucent bathroom. The view into the distance is deliberately held back in order to increase the surprise effect. The heart of this house is on the floor above, which also forms the roof of the forecourt.

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4. The living space

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The intent was to create a habitat that feels like a perch just above the treetops. The material used looks lively and natural. The mixture of wooden construction, exposed concrete walls and raw iron creates excitement and comfort at the same time. Structurally, all components in contact with the ground and the stiffening core are made of reinforced concrete. The remaining walls and ceilings as well as the entire upper floor are made of wood. Steel beams and columns are used to support static requirements. None of this is hidden, but deliberately shown in its raw beauty. ​

 

The kitchen and living room impress with a breathtaking view of the Salzburg mountains. The tension between concrete and wood continues into the kitchen. A concrete kitchen block and an open concrete fireplace invite you to linger. The free-standing kitchen block, on the other hand, is oriented towards the mountain backdrop. The canopies and terraces protect the living area from overheating and create a feeling of security despite the large windows. The light holes in the canopy ensure a varied play with daylight and one of them serves as access to the sauna area on the roof. A day can be ended here with a dramatic sunset and a view of the mountains.