‘plak’ by propeller z, vienna, austria image © hertha hurnaus all images courtesy propeller z

recently completed by austrian studio propeller z, ‘plak’ is a single family residence in the western outskirts of vienna, austria. the narrow and steep site was conducive to a linear footprint, allowing five levels to be stacked vertically, placing the main living spaces at a higher elevation. unobstructed views of the encompassing city are offered over the existing neighboring structures due to the higher vantage point. another advantage to the configuration is the minimal disturbance to the land below maintains garden spaces.

propeller z: plak side elevation

image © hertha hurnaus

a zigzagged building profile reveals terraces which are cantilevered or carved from the interior areas. upon entering the ground level entry, a wood clad floating stair within a white room welcomes guests. the element leads to the first floor office and bedroom which are divided with a white mod bookshelf and have access to a private balcony. the third floor contains a kitchen and living room, separated by a two-way fireplace and steps. a sliding glass boundary opens to an expansive open-air terrace.

propeller z: plak ground level entrance image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak entry

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak stair reflects in mirrored wall

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak (left) floating stair mass (right) warm wood reflects within the white entry foyer

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak stair from ground floor to first level

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak office + bedroom on first floor

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak office lined with a bookcase

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak bookshelf divides spaces

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak terrace

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak kitchen

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak view towards great room

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak view from great room towards kitchen

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak great room separated form kitchen with two-way fireplace and stairs

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak view from great room

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak integrated storage

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak main terrace

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak vista from the terrace

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak sliding glass doors lead to terrace

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak view of great room from the terrace

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak stairs leading from kitchen to upper level bathroom

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak open riser stair

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak (left) entry to fourth floor bathroom

(right) sink + shower image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak bathroom

image © hertha hurnaus

propeller z: plak floor plan / level 0

propeller z: plak floor plan / level 1

propeller z: plak floor plan / level 2

propeller z: plak floor plan / level 3

propeller z: plak floor plan / level 4

propeller z: plak exploded axonometric

project info:

site: 1054m2 covered: 155m2 net floor space: 372m2+43m2 garage NFS level 1: 65+43m2 NFS level 2: 56m2 NFS level 3: 90m2 NFS level 4: 111m2 NFS level 5: 43m2 cubature: 2120m3 start of project: 2006 start of construction: 11 2009 completion: 05 2011 architecture: propeller z, wien engineering: werkraum, wien