peter ebner combines metal and stucco for gestüthalle building in salzburg

architectural studio, peter ebner and friends, has completed the design of a residential complex in salzburg, austria. the project, entitled ‘gestüthalle – the hidden treasure’ is positioned on a site with an existing building of cultural and historical heritage that was built in the 16th century. the new scheme therefore required a sensitive approach, and the architect faced a dilemma: either to preserve the building without changing anything or to try and reinvent it.

all images © paul ott

the architects decided to ‘consider all the solutions that would combine ‘the old’ and ‘the new’’. as a result, two new floors were built over the historical part of the project so that the outline of the resulting building began to echo the contour of the medieval fortress. for the interior, the architects wanted to create a likeness of the historical city, with its alternation of squares and lanes, open and intimate spaces.

the metal façade of the new part of the building softly reflects the surrounding greenery and other buildings. the reflections on the façade are constantly changing, depending on the time of day and the time of year; thus, the concept of flexibility and the principle of diversity are realized in the external image of the project. the silver metal of the two new floors is organically combined with the ivory-coloured stucco of the renovated historic part.

due to the flexibility of its spaces, the dwellings can be adjusted to the character of any inhabitants. thanks to the use of green technologies, the complex is also distinguished by low power consumption – approximately 10% of what is typically consumed by a similar residential building in austria.

at peter ebner and friends, the project is fondly referred to as ‘a hidden treasure,’ and this name is more than justified. the building, located within walking distance of the historic centre, has its own small garden with an alley leading to it, and boasts beautiful views. at the same time, it is hidden among three-story buildings and can hardly be seen from the street. the ‘hidden treasure’ opens only to those who know the path to it.