scalloped shingles and timber screens wrap modern home by MWarchitekten

single-family to two-family house: A Case for Densification

With a newly completed renovation project, titled ‘From a single-family house to a two-family house,’ Austrian studio MWArchitekten offers a compelling example of how existing communities can be densified sustainably. Responding to the client’s desire to create a future-proof property, the architects transformed a single-family home into a two-family dwelling, preserving the original timber structure while enhancing its energy efficiency and livability.

Situated in a low-density residential area of in Feldkirch, Austria, the project sought to reconcile the need for increased housing density with the desire for a private garden environment. The design team’s solution was to combine a higher density of living units with a generous outdoor space surrounding the building. This approach allowed for a more compact footprint while maintaining a sense of connection to nature.

images © Dominic Kummer

a new facade atop a preserved timber structure

With its renovation of a single-family home to a two-family house, the design team at MWArchitekten aimed to minimize alterations to the existing 1960s-era building. By retaining the original structure, the architects were able to preserve the building’s character and history. Key interventions included thermal insulation, the addition of an open staircase, and the expansion of the attic. The updated shell of the building called for a reinterpretation of the facade. The original plaster facade with small openings was enhanced with wooden elements — including scalloped shingles and vertical timber screens — as a reflection of the client’s preference for natural materials. This material choice complements the building’s overall character and contributes to a more inviting exterior.

a single-family home in Feldkirch, Austria, is renovated to accommodate two families

mwarchitekten Focuses on Connection and Sustainable Living

The renovated two-family house by MWArchitekten prioritized energy efficiency. The upgraded shell allowed for the replacement of the existing oil-fired boiler with a geothermal heating system, significantly reducing the building’s carbon footprint. What’s more, the additional outdoor areas provided valuable opportunities for passive solar heating and natural ventilation. The interior design of the two-family house emphasized a sense of connection between the individual residential units. Generous openings and well-designed outdoor spaces created a strong link between the living areas and the surrounding environment. The attic, in particular, benefited from the additional roof space, providing generous natural light and a lofty, open interior atmosphere.

The renovation project in Feldkirch demonstrates that sustainable densification is a viable option for existing settlements. The original building structure is preserved, energy efficiency is enhanced, and a high-quality, modern living space is created from a 1960s-era structure — thus, the architects have set a precedent for future urban development efforts.

MWArchitekten sought to densify the existing settlement while maintaining a sustainable approach