curved timber frame shapes an amorph living sculpture by lechner & lechner

amorph Living Sculpture by Lechner & Lechner

Design group Lechner & Lechner follows a curved timber frame construction method to form an ‘Amorph Living Sculpture’. Aiming to merge the living space with the natural surroundings through visual integration, the design utilizes strategic vantage points identified by Google Earth. The project’s visual landmarks include the Leopoldkron Castle, the Leopoldskorner Pond, the Hohensalzburg fortress, and the Untersberg.

The core concept driving the architectural project is the seamless integration of the residence’s indoor living space with the surrounding natural environment through visual conformity. A free-form floor plan is selected to optimize sightlines and maximize the visual relationship between the landmarks. The approach leads to the formation of an organic building shape, where two slender structures interlock at an angle creating a central opening.

all images by Julian Höck – full header image by Horst Michael Lechner

organic development visually connects to the landscape

The free-form floor plan and innovative design approach by the architectural team at Lechner & Lechner maximize the visual relationship between landmarks, while thick, organic window soffits direct the onlooker’s gaze toward key areas. The ground floor creates a harmonious connection with the outdoor space which serves as a mediator between the building and the landscape. The first floor continues to prioritize the relationship with the outdoor space, with two spacious terraces facing the pond, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and Schloss Leopoldskron. The timber frame construction method highlights the potential of wood as the primary building material. The innovative design approach extends the spatial experience, with a sculptural staircase emphasizing the view towards the garden and water area from the slender structure.

the living sculpture is accessible through an external spiral staircase

the free-form sculpture exposes the versatility of wood

The living sculpture can be traversed in a circle via two vertical openings, both inside and outside. The construction method relies on timber frame construction, with wooden stands cut to shape using a CNC milling machine and planked with boards. The individual wooden studs of the outer wall are generously insulated, while the facade coating is made of Polyurea, a material that is often used for its rustic appearance. This construction method is a testament to the versatility and possibilities of wood, highlighting its potential as a premier building material.

the structure’s organic design reinforces its connection with the landscape and surrounding plantation

the slim structure shapes up the entrance area, while the light falls freely through the building

the overlapping of the buildings is used for vertical development while following the formal logic of the house

the development turns the sculpture into a walkable landscape

the layering of volumes expands in three-dimensional space

the windows on the floor plan deliberately frame the views

the free-form architectural logic continues down to the last detail

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project info:

name: Amorph Living Sculpture
designer: Lechner & Lechner | @lechner.lechner.architects

design team: Chirstine & Horst Josef Lechner