propeller z: flag

'flag' by propeller z in fahndorf, austria
all images courtesy of propeller z
image © hertha hurnaus


vienna-based architecture office propeller z has completed an addition to an old farmhouse
in fahndorf, austria. constructed on a budget of 70,000 euros, 'flag' negotiates the conditions
and features of the pre-existing structure while remaining quiet in its presence from
the nearby street.



'flag' next to the oiginal barnhouse roof
image © hertha hurnaus


the 200-year old farmhouse is a traditional U-shaped structure with a courtyard separating
the living space from the barn and stable. the south wing is half buried into the slope
of the site, exposing just its pitched roof, consequently establishing no relationship with
the acreage to the back. to remedy this, the new dwelling, which accommodates a kitchen
and living space, sits elevated on the terrain, opening completely to the south with
floor-to-ceiling glazing. it is partially supported by a corner of the original structure
but remains unconnected to it with minimal disturbance. to access the rest of the house,
an exterior staircase between the two masses must be utilized. a sheltered space is created
underneath the addition that leads out to the courtyard and stable level.



image © hertha hurnaus



image © hertha hurnaus


to remain within the budget allotted for 'flag', much of the materials chosen were local
and readily available: the ceiling is clad in warm wood as is the entrance platform that
the stairs lead up to. the floors are done in exposed concrete while the internal insulation
is made from recycled newspaper. the north side of the addition features a wood stack
that spans the entire length of the facade, which is both a reinterpretation of the local
farmhouse typology as well as an aesthetically pleasing element on its own.



the addition slides into a corner of the pre-existing barnhouse--but does not actually physically connect to it
image © hertha hurnaus



north facade
image © hertha hurnaus



the addition next to the original structure
image © hertha hurnaus



the north facade features a wood stack skin
image © hertha hurnaus



west facade
image © hertha hurnaus



image © hertha hurnaus



south entrance
image © hertha hurnaus



image © hertha hurnaus



the addition, which is lofted in place with truss-like legs, creates a sheltered space underneath
image © hertha hurnaus



much of the farmhouse structure was left in its original state
image © hertha hurnaus



staircase from the stable level
image © hertha hurnaus



entrance
image © hertha hurnaus



living room with south-facing glazing
image © hertha hurnaus



kitchen, looking towards the living space
image © hertha hurnaus



the barn's roof structure hidden in the winter



back entrance
image © hertha hurnaus



the house from the street
image © hertha hurnaus



site plan



floor plan



lateral section



cross section



south elevation