x architekten: raumstation

‘raumstation’ by x architekten in gunskirchen, austria all images courtesy x architekten

austria-based practice x architekten has shared with us images of ‘raumstation’, a two-storey private residence at the edge of a small village in gunskirchen, austria. utilizing the slight slope present on the site, the design lifts up in a dramatic cantilever to accommodate a shaded parking space below while establishing a sense of levitation to the living space above.

exterior view

reformatting the land to accommodate a basement level, a section of the plot was dug up and replaced on top of the slope to exaggerate the existing topography of the site. a concrete base and a perpendicularly-running reinforcing wall was inserted, emerging out of the ground as a clean cut in the hill. hosting a cellar and a utility room, the design shifts the majority of the residence to the upper floor to enable the clients to live within a single level. 

view of shaded parking space

accessed by a wide set of staircase that extends up from below the cantilever, the entry is slotted into the middle of the layout, serving as a tool to distinguish between the private and public zones of the house. a generous outdoor space has been excised out of the east elevation, offering views of the surrounding cornfields when climbing the stairs. slightly tapered on one side, the kitchen, dining, and living space rests on top of the hill in an open and linear manner. a large outdoor terrace and swimming pool extends out from this area, allowing the activities of the interior to extend out into the outdoors when wanted. beyond a narrow hallway, the private sleeping quarters and a library levitate over the land.

pool and terrace

entry staircase and outdoor space

interior view

view of dining and kitchen from living space

hallway

bedroom

washroom

schematic diagram of process

floor plan / lower level

floor plan / upper level

longitudinal section

south elevation

west elevation

north elevation

south elevation