With Alpine Spring beginning to bloom, construction of our Usterberg project is progressing promptly in the lush Austrian sierra. We recently made a site visit to witness advancements, with the farmhouse embracing its contemporary evolution into a family homestead.
Located in the state of Tyrol, this 19th century building has undergone significant restoration and reorientation. The interior volumes have been shifted and enlarged to accommodate spatial living areas with improved flow. Sight lines through spaces have been introduced to accentuate the grandeur of existing timber joists.
Additional cladding wraps around protruding interventions, with the building now watertight as progress gains momentum towards completion. The relationship between timber junctions is an integral theme throughout, with an ordered and rhythmic vernacular felt both on the interior and exterior as wood bridges the gap between thresholds. Exquisitely hand carved chestnut panelling gives way to external untreated larch fins that will weather a silvery grey overtime. A natural clay render has been applied to offer contrasting texture and soften the double-height spaces.
A generous green painted larch frame edges a climactic window, forming a diorama-like view in which the observer can enter, blurring the transition between mountainous topography and farmhouse. This heightened relationship to the outdoors was paramount to the design, with varying apertures offering a unique vantage. Frameless full height glazing, obscured peek holes and vignettes all provide diverse experiences from which to appreciate the breath-taking context.
