House K, Sulzberg (AT)
New building
Client: private
Location: A-6934 Sulzberg
Architecture: Dietrich Untertrifaller
Construction: 2018 – 2019
Area: 220 m²
Photos: Albrecht I. Schnabel
Team
Felix Kruck (Project management), Martina Simoncini
Text: Gerlinde Jüttner
Partners
Statics timber: Merz Kley Partner, Dornbirn
Statics concrete: Mader Flatz, Bregenz
Building services: Heizfink, Sulzberg
Electrics: Schneider, Schwarzenberg
Timber construction: Kaufmann Zimmerei, Reuthe
Construction management: Baukultur, Schwarzenberg
Awards
- Häuser des Jahres, Nomination
Spacious living on a cramped plot
In the far north of the Bregenzerwald lies the small community of Sulzberg on the ridge of the same-named mountain. On a steep slope in the middle of a densely built-up neighbourhood of detached houses, we built a house that makes perfect use of the limited plot. Due to the extreme slope, we divided the rooms over three floors.
With House K, we have succeeded in densifying a cramped hillside plot in the middle of a residential area to create spacious living with privacy and an unobstructed view.
Floor-to-ceiling glazing celebrates the view
Rather closed on the street side, the house opens up to the south with floor-to-ceiling glazing and, together with the terrace in front, celebrates the fantastic view across the Bregenzerwald to the high Vorarlberg mountains beyond the lower-lying neighbouring houses. The cantilevered roof slab offers protection from the weather and excessive sunlight.
You enter the house on the street side on the top level via a wide footbridge. Here you will find the garage, a small guest room and the spacious, open living room.
Wood and exposed concrete
Designed with maximum transparency and openness, the living space is only divided by the free-standing kitchen block. Inside, too, wood and exposed concrete dominate and, with their clear design, create a modern and at the same time cosy atmosphere.
The two lower storeys are built in exposed concrete in rough plank formwork, the roof is made of wood. Vertical silver fir strips alternating with the horizontal plank cladding of the ceiling panels characterise the façade and emphasise the strictly geometric structure of the house.
The successful interplay of wood, glass and concrete provides the cubic structure with lightness and transparency. Sliding wooden slats on the side fronts provide privacy and sun protection.
From top to bottom
The garage, a small guest room and the spacious, open-plan living area are located on the top floor. The basement houses a granny flat and an office. From here you enter a covered garden terrace at ground level. A striking feature is the sophisticated staircase with glass walls, which forms a visual axis through all three floors.
A self-supporting wooden staircase leads down to the private rooms. Like precious wooden boxes, the bedroom, dressing room, bathroom and sauna are completely clad in silver fir. On the south side of this floor, too, the extensive glazing and the terrace invite you to enjoy the panorama.
