franz architekten expands family house in eichgraben

franz architekten expands family house in eichgraben
photo by kurt kuball
all images courtesy of franz architekten

having found a small countryside dwelling in lower austria, a young family commissioned franz architekten to renovate and expand the existing structure. ‘house in eichgraben’ incorporates a new two-storey annex which functions as a children’s playroom, in addition to accommodating a secondary suite for the family’s grandmother.

a strip of glazing illuminates the partially subterranean basement, bringing light into the residence. internally, a free-standing bathroom unit divides the open space into clearly defined sleeping and living areas. the flexible design also offers the potential for future adaptation.

a large garden surrounds the property
photo by kurt kuball

a large playroom for the children floats above the ground floor, housed inside a timber box. the 3.5 meter tall volume features a number of recreational facilities, including a climbing wall, a swing and soccer nets. the installation is also prepared for later conversion into four separate rooms.

the dwelling is set in the austrian countryside
photo by kurt kuball

while the basement is constructed from concrete, the timber façade is comprised of solid tiles with diagonal larchwood latches. due to the complex geometry, the double miter cut latches were mounted by franz architekten staff. the entire building is supplied with warm water and heating via an air source heat pump, ensuring a reduced environmental impact.

photo by kurt kuball

the project allows three generations to co-exist through a variety of shared and private spaces. different atmospheres are established within certain areas of the home, fulfilling the constantly shifting requirements of the family dwelling.

glazing connects the old and new structures
photos by kurt kuball

a strip of glazing illuminates the partially subterranean basement
photos by kurt kuball

the expansive playroom
photo by kurt kuball

in future, the volume can be converted into four separate rooms
photo by kurt kuball

the secondary suite for the family’s grandmother
photo by kurt kuball

‘house in eichgraben’ illuminated at night
photo by kurt kuball

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project info:

project name: house eichgraben – easy playing
type: single family house
location: eichgraben, austria
client: dr. christina mayr
architect: franz zt gmbh
project management: franz zt gmbh

building contractors
master builder: fa. szabo, 3041 siegersdorf
timber construction: holzwerk harold, 3451 plankenberg
flat roof: dachdeckerei und spenglerei toth, 3041 grabensee
glazing and windows: rigo glas, 1180 wien
electrics: fa. nestelberger, 3041 grabensee
plumber: fa. feiertag, 3040 neulengbach
metalworker: transformer metallbau, 1230 wien
furniture: tischlerei hicker, 3032 eichgraben
curtain: gerriets handel, 1230 wien

planning dates
start of planning: may, 2011
start of construction: november, 2011
completion: july, 2012

data
area: 1,220 sqm
built-up area: 178 sqm
net floor area: inventory 165 sqm
net floor area: enlargement 185 sqm
net floor area: total 350 sqm

costs
construction: €305,000
usable area, net: 1.650 €/m²

construction
inventory: brick walls
enlargement: low-energy house
mechanical services: air-heat pump
photography: kurt kuball /copyright franz zt gmbh

awards:
holzbaupreis 2012
ethouse award 2012
das beste haus 2013 – nomination
land nö – vorbildlicher bau 2013