alex graef unlocks deep plan of existing apartment in vienna

alex graef unlocks deep plan of existing apartment in vienna
all images courtesy of alex graef

 
combining two adjacent apartments, london-based architect alex graef has remodeled an existing 19th century building in vienna. the new residence unlocks the deep plan of the original layout – demolishing the central partitions and inserting a series of gently rotated volumes to contain the bathrooms and ancillary spaces. a collection of pre-columbian miniature sculptures was used as a consistent narrative device, shaping the rooms and featuring as a permanent installation for the apartment’s often absent residents. the pieces create fictional views and offer axial relationships between the volumes, which helped to determined the overall geometry. natural daylight is reflected into a large central space, enabling a constant sense of communication and flow throughout.

a collection of pre-columbian miniature sculptures help to shape the geometry

a layered system of lighting seeks to augment, compliment and bounce through the spaces – starting with a central artificial skylight and incorporating brightly lit walls using suspended lamps. the objects mark moments and give a sense of structure to the otherwise free flowing spatial sequence. their subtlety and also intensity is enhanced with the use of white as a dominant color on the surrounding surfaces, creating an interplay between the different textures, reflections and refractions across the walls.

the entrance hall

the gaps between these hard, white volumes are filled using soft upholstered, but also white, sliding doors. as a strong contrast to the more public rooms, the interior of the bathrooms incorporates dark, heavy materials and splashes of bright color. large openings through to the outer rim of existing rooms reveal the restored original wooden floors and traditional stucco, providing a gentle relief to the central white space.

views of the open-plan kitchen

the white dining room and table

natural light is reflected through to the interior

axial views through dining and living rooms

the main bathroom incorporates dark materials, in contrast to the mostly white interior

the guest bathroom

detail of the soft, upholstered sliding door

a pre-columbian miniature

floor plan and reflected ceiling plan

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