At the junction between Pflersch and Wipptal, just above the centre of Gossensaß (1,100m), the house of a young family was built.

The monolithic structure, which develops mainly upwards on the steep slope, is made of insulating concrete – a material that responds equally to all requirements and defies the harsh conditions of an exposed location. Due to the tower-like shape, the house had ground-level access on both the lowest and top floors in addition to a small footprint.

The structure of the low-energy house, which is certified as KlimaHaus A Nature, has grown out of the ground at its location and is firmly rooted in it. Its mineral material gives it expressive durability. The 75cm thick walls of the monolith offer protection and security. Concentrated openings provide targeted views of the surrounding mountain landscape, with deep reveals becoming spatial elements in their own right, which the residents use in everyday life to sit, rest and observe. At its core, the house is accessed by a compact spiral staircase. The attic, which is up to 6 metres high, forms the open living and recreation area, which extends under the widely cantilevered gable roof. A circumferential ribbon window allows an unobstructed all-round view. Orientation, embedding and views – also from the spacious terrace – give the impression that you are living in an untouched place in the middle of the mountains.

The smooth outer walls made of insulating concrete take over all the functions of the façade in just one layer: protecting, insulating and load-bearing. Diamond-shaped concrete slabs for the roof and wooden shingles to finish the two entrances were made in the traditional way. The entire building envelope is monochrome. Colours and shapes are reminiscent of the tree bark of the adjacent forests.

Natural, grounded materials also determine the interior and create a down-to-earth and comfortable room atmosphere. The lower three floors form a neutral, bright and restrained environment made of noble materials. The roof space, on the other hand, opens up in a particularly defined and powerful way. Untreated fir for floors, windows, doors and furniture, handcrafted terrazzo surfaces and handcrafted lime plasters determine the picture. Burnished brass and hand-crafted glass matching the colour of the concrete complement the range of handcrafted materials and give the house the desired durability.

The residential building was the first insulating concrete building to receive the KlimaHaus A Nature certification, which can be achieved throughout Italy, which is based on a strictly monitored evaluation of grey energy and healthy living, among other things. With the inclusion of intelligent building technology, the CO2 overall energy efficiency achieves the even higher classification ClimateHouse Gold. The certifications certify that the house currently meets the highest standards in terms of ecology, economy and sustainability.

[Source: Pedevilla Architects] (https://pedevilla.info/haus-g)
Photos: Gustav Willeit

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