The challenge of this project was the creation of a living and study space for a young family in a spatially cramped situation, between existing single family houses that did not seem to allow for any infill development. Accommodated in the existing building on the east side are the parents of the building owner, who assisted in determining the position of the new building and of the entrance, which is used by both families. The southward sloping terrain allowed for direct access to the new living/ dining level from the road side; a short external staircase leads to the garden.

A solid basement level is inserted and placed into the slope in such way that it provides enough space for a sufficiently daylight-lit bedroom level including bathrooms, while at the same time keeping the required setback to the neighboring building to the west. The prefabricated construction method proved ideal for integrating the design and construction of the visually dominant living/ dining level (approx. 4 m in width). The envelope of the slim building is highly insulated and makes the impression of being minimal, both in terms of its dimensions and formal “use of space”. Thanks to the comfort ventilation with heat recovery, the structure nearly fulfills the passive house standard. (Otto Kapfinger - wood works)

Principal: Moosmann Petra

Completition: 2002

Project management: DI Christoph Dünser
Planning: Richard Forer
General contractor: Berchtold Holzbau GmbH & Co KG, Wolfurt
Girder planning: DI Markus Flatz, Bregenz