Poised over the edge of a hill in Hutten, Austria, Juri Troy Architects designed this residence to be both cost effective and passive. By lifting the home up over the land below, it employs a tiny footprint for its 100m2 living zone. Built out of local prefabricated timber, the home features a heat pump with ground collector, ventilation and heat exchange system, photovoltaic panels on the roof and wood wool insulation to 60cm – all creating a home with minimal energy output. Adding to the natural energy control is the fantastic use of wood slats to create a shade cover for the deck that wraps two sides of this passive energy residence.
While the deck hides behind the wood slats on the length of the residence, in the front a comfortable outdoor dining area complete with BBQ is left open to the elements.
Beside the outdoor dining area is the entry. In the foyer zone the wood slats of the deck morph into a solid wall with the cross supports becoming useful shelves. The shelves are the perfect place for outdoor gear, including shoes. The foyer leads straight to the kitchen and also turns right into the dining area.
The dining area overlooks the wrap around deck via large expanses of windows and doors. With the floors, ceilings, walls and exterior all clad in the same pale wood, the emphasis stays on the landscape beyond.
Opposite the wall of windows and deck is a closed wall that starts with the kitchen and continues into a hallway of floor to ceiling storage. The storage continues right to the back of the residence. The back wall features a long window complete with a deep ledge for enjoying the views – or jumping off of if you’re so inclined.
The end wall overhangs the slope with the help of 6 stilts that all splay outward for better support. The overhang of the residence creates the perfect place for children to play on a rainy day.
Solid sections of the home’s facade repeat the “look” of the shade slats with their tight board and batten profile.
The slatting is done with a simple structure of evenly spaced joists. The horizontal support structure is purposely kept wide to create shelving for incidentals.
Late in the evening the slatted deck is made visible by light passing through the openings.
While light spills out from the windows, the underside of the home is also well lit for those that enjoy an outdoor experience after the sun has set.
The home appears open and social on one side and transforms into a closed and private wood box on the other.
Juri Troy Architects
