"Truthfulness” in architecture means to me relying on natural materials and handcraft."

- Martin Rührnschopf

The wine village of Auersthal in the Weinviertel region is still characterised by dense and enclosed housing in the village centre, a beautiful alley lined with wine cellars and a gentle, hilly landscape. On the outskirts of the village, squeezed between the neighbouring buildings, a barn typical of that region has survived – though in bad shape, unfortunately. Its owners, Döllinger-Tsao family, decided to have it demolished and replace with a new building, connected to the parents’ house.

Architect: martin rührnschopf architecture

Guided by the principle of “simple, timeless and vibrant”, a permanent home was created, with its qualities gained through omission. As the building deliberately opens up towards the garden, the interior and exterior space could be successfully interlaced. The neighbouring building acts as protection against wind, prying eyes and noise.

The ground floor comprises a wardrobe, a toilet, a spacious living, kitchen and dining area – all sharing the same waxed concrete surface. Internal arrangement of the house foregoes stairwells and unused space. The sculptural stairs are directly integrated into the living area as a design element − a single-flight staircase − and lead to the gallery floor. There, you will find the gallery, the bedroom and the bathroom.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, blue backsplash, and staircase.

Architect: martin rührnschopf architecture,; Photos: Jörg Seiler

A clear goal was to provide the living areas with a sufficient amount of daylight even on dull days, which are quite common in the Weinviertel region during autumn and winter when there is often fog. However, lighting is not merely guaranteed by large-scale vertical glazing on the southern side but also by well-placed, adequate roof windows.

Thanks to this deliberate use of zenith light (light from above), light can even reach the rear areas of the ground floor through the gallery floor and thus create balanced lighting. This even lighting is one of the most critical factors for the whole interior radiating generous space and creating an open and friendly impression.

Attic with sloped ceiling, VELUX windows, wooden floor, and metal staircase.

Architect: martin rührnschopf architecture; Photos: Jörg Seiler

Graphic

Cross-section of a house with staircase and steep roof pitch.

It was the building owners’ express wish not to install a mechanical ventilation system. So the architect was able to include, at the early design stages, the ideal positioning of the necessary supply and exhaust air openings in the form of facade and roof windows. As a result, the ventilation drive (chimney effect) gives maximum benefit with no energy consumption. Both the building owners and the architect were open to using an innovative ventilation concept with automated windows. The indoor air quality showed a constant CO2 concentration far below 1,000 ppm, achieving “special to high indoor air quality” according to the norm. In summer mode, Natural Ventilative Cooling has also proved its worth, with balanced and pleasant temperatures.