Our architectural approach for this project revolves around the seamless integration with the natural environment through visual connectivity. By harnessing technological tools like Google Earth, we strategically identified key vantage points, such as the iconic Leopoldkron Castle, Leopoldskorner Pond, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the majestic Untersberg, to inform our design layout.
Project Name: Amorph Livingsculpture
Office Name: lechner & lechner architects
Office Website: https://www.lechner-lechner.at/home-english
Firm Location: Priesterhausgasse 18, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2): 226 m2
Project Location: Salzburg , Austria
Program / Use / Building Function:
residential use
Lead Architects: Christine Lechner and Horst Josef Lechner
Desing team: Christine Lechner , Horst Josef Lechner, Michael Trixl, David Fischer, Barbara Schickermüller
Lead Architects e-mail: architekten@lechner-lechner.at
Photo Credits: Julian Höck
To optimize sightlines and accentuate significant areas, we embraced a free-flowing floor plan adorned with substantial, organically shaped window soffits that skillfully guide the viewer’s gaze. This strategy results in a striking duo of slender structures arranged at an angle to one another, forging a central opening that entices exploration. Although the entrance on the ground floor may appear somewhat intimate, the view from the slender structure towards the garden and water area is enhanced by a sculptural staircase.
We meticulously fashioned the ground floor spaces to achieve a harmonious connection with the outdoors, both in terms of their arrangement and the exterior design of the garden. Our vision aims to evoke a cozy and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a hobbit cave, while drawing inspiration from primary visual landmarks such as the garden, Leopoldkroner Pond, and the Untersberg.
The outdoor space plays a pivotal role as an intermediary between the building and its surroundings, with the water surface directed towards the pond and gently elevated within the terrain. Seamlessly blending the two water surfaces, we created a living sculpture that can be experienced via an external spiral staircase. Additionally, we utilized the design elements and carefully selected plantings to strengthen the project’s connection with the surrounding landscape.
Continuing the emphasis on connectivity to the outdoor space, the first floor showcases two expansive terraces flanking the living area. One terrace offers views of the pond, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and Schloss Leopoldskron, while the other is oriented towards the private sphere. The living sculpture can be traversed in a circular manner through two vertical openings, both inside and outside.
To bring our vision to life, we employed timber frame construction techniques, crafting wooden supports using CNC milling machines and cladding them with boards. The individual wooden studs of the outer wall were generously insulated, and for the facade coating, we utilized Polyurea, a material commonly employed in rhinoceros tanks in zoos due to its rustic appearance. Overall, our design seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings, offering a distinctive and inviting living experience.
