private residence by alexander diem features patterned timber façade
photo © andreas balon
through his design for a secluded residence set within the austrian countryside, architect alexander diem has sought to address concerns regarding the erosion of personal privacy. from a distance the building’s distinctive façade is reminiscent of a chinese folding screen, while a closer look identifies the cut-out cavities as motifs that symbolize food and the harvest. the variable panels not only protect the dwelling’s inhabitants from the sun, but also enable the controlling of privacy – able to be opened or closed on demand.
the design addresses concerns regarding the erosion of personal privacy
photo © andreas balon
internal volumes are assigned a value derived from the time spent within them. for example, the stairs are treated as subordinate ancillary space, while living rooms are generously proportioned with ceiling heights of up to 5.6 meters.
throughout the property, artistic elements are integrated as part of the building’s architecture. a piece by artist nick oberthaler is embedded in the terrace floor, while the elaborate main door by artist plamen dejanoff references the heavy doors of an historical country house.
the screens enable a play of light and shadow cast across internal surfaces
photo © andreas balon
diem explains that the built volume places an emphasis on the transition between public and private space: ‘fence, garden, wooden facade, exterior wall, social rooms, private rooms — the farther one gets into the villa, the more private and gentle the building appears’.
the cut-out cavities are symbols that reference food and the harvest
photo © andreas balon
the variable panels protect the dwelling’s inhabitants from the sun
photos © andreas balon
living spaces are generously proportioned with ceiling heights of up to 5.6 meters
photo © andreas balon
an open patio set in front of the home
photo © andreas balon
throughout the property, artistic elements are integrated as part of the building’s architecture
photo © andreas balon
from a distance the distinctive façade is reminiscent of a chinese folding screen
photo © andreas balon
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Apr 09, 2021
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Addendum: During the day the screens keep one from enjoying the full beauty of the natural surrounding and, at night, the screens make it very easy (for those outside) to view what is going on (inside) but make its impossible for the inhabitants to see who may be looking in.
The lovely woodwork has the distinct appearance and ‘feel’ of something that was added on to a completed structure.
With regard to the line, “The design addresses concerns of the erosion of personal privacy”, the screens do exactly the opposite. During the day the screens keep one from enjoying the full beauty of the natural surroundings and at night they make it very easy to view what is going on but make it impossible for the inhabitants to see who may be looking in.
How could one possibly say that this creates more personal privacy???
While the woodwork is lovely it really bastardizes the residence and if the woodwork was done when the residence was built then it is a rather unappealing structure.
Oh man that’s beautiful! The facade is so intricate. This is another one of my favorite timber designs: http://www.6sqft.com/sands-point-renovation-by-cdr-studio-architects-is-clad-in-charred-cedar/