haro architects' triangular house T captures views of austrian alps

haro architects’ triangular house T captures views of austrian alps
all images courtesy of haro architects

developing a project in a privileged environment involves integrating it with the existing context, as if it had always been there. when the topography is a prerequisite, it becomes a useful and successful partner for the concept. having these premises in mind, haro architects worked on ‘house T’ near the outskirts of salzburg, austria, where they could overlook the city with a very clear visual reference: the alps.

the house is located on the outskirts of salzburg

the triangular plot is enclosed to the north mountain by a steep slope and to the southern valley by two access roads. as it surrounds the house, it allows the visual language to be perceived in a different manner depending on the point of view or situation. the volume is anchored on its west side, from where it fans out as if it were an extrusion in plan and section in a south-easterly direction. this simple gesture provides increases the amount of internal dimensions in the main rooms while redirecting them towards the setting sun, the city, and the terrain. similarly, the terrace opens itself from the axis of rotation, away from the front elevation and incrementing its surface on its east end. this is the only construction element which extends outwards from the house outline.

the triangular plot that surrounds the house allows it to be differently perceived from each side

a veneer of larch wood slats is drilled through hollow squares of different sizes according to their function, generating an abstract façade as opposed to the lighter and airy south one. it is this contrast which gives the perception of varying scales depending on the aesthetic approach to the site.

the volume presents itself hermetic from the mountain-north and open to the city

the residence is built on three levels, connected via a wide triangular staircase located where the volume folds. the upper floor, from where the scenery can best be enjoyed, houses the public functions such as the main entrance and the large deck, which acts as an extension of the living room. all areas share a spatial continuity which takes shelter under an expansive roof with a slight inclination of 5° from the kitchen to the lounge. the enclosing plane is solved by laminated wood boards, which allows for long spans and cantilevers due to their flexibility and lightness.
the intermediate floor, partially buried and with direct access to the garden, is occupied the more private and intimate spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, a fitness zone, and sauna. the garage is displaced from the projection of the building and connects to the stairwell through a tunnel under the ground, where a long cloakroom is located. 

a veneer of larch wood slats is drilled through hollow squares of different sizes according to their function 

the north façade is abstract in opposition to the lighter and airy south façade

the volume is anchored on its west side, from where, as if it were an extrusion, fans out in plan and section in a south-easterly direction

the terrace opens itself from the axis of rotation, away from the house front façade and incrementing its surface on its east end

the upper floor includes a large terrace which acts as an extension of the living room

a large roof plane with a slight inclination of 5° slope from the kitchen to the large volume of the living room 

the house is built on three levels, connected via a wide triangular staircase located where the volume folds 

the intermediate floor, partially buried and with direct access to the garden, houses the more private and intimate spaces

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