hertl architekten: townvilla klosterneuburg

‘townvilla klosterneuburg’ by hertl architekten in klosterneuburg, austria all images courtesy hertl architekten image © kurt hoerbst

austrian practice hertl architekten has sent us images of ‘townvilla klosterneuburg’, a private dwelling in the dense historic center of klosterneuburg, austria. respecting the local architectural typology of the site, the design incorporates a subtle street face that leads up to a highly open house that unfolds around a series of courtyards.

street view image © kurt hoerbst

the exterior of the house as read from the street is seamless to its neighbouring structures: the height is consistent with the adjacent building as well as the finish of the material which is predominantly present in the area. a single window provides visual access to the street with a garage and rubbish room located on grade. the entrance is gained by a linear slit that has been excised from the rectangular volume to accommodate a slim exterior staircase.

street entrance image © kurt hoerbst

leading up to an entrance patio, the stairs encounter the first of four outdoor pockets that have been inserted into the layout. the kitchen is connected to an elevated herb garden that is walled in by the outer shell of the street facade. irregular in shape, the communal living spaces pivot around a central courtyard that hosts an outdoor swimming pool. the interior space gains from abundant natural daylight as well as multiple perspectives of the neighbourhood with a series of sliding glass doors that connect the house with a private outdoor garden.

exterior view image © kurt hoerbst