The housing extension “Gartenweg” is an agglomeration of several single buildings cleverly combined with the exploitation of the plots topography, thereby offering a much higher living density without being a massive structure.
The given maximum density of 1,8m³/m² is achieved, and not exceeded. It is essential that each building be linked to the surrounding landscape.
The correct use of the area is achieved by a series of structured terraces. The slope of the hillside runs through the bank on two points creating an intentional yet natural looking arrangement, with different relations between the architecture and landscape creating variable pathways and prospects. The structure of the housing complex includes patterns of former agglomerations in Caldaro and combines them in a new way. Traditional forms are put in a new context for the creation of an efficient and complex structure seemingly familiar, clear and simple. When walking through the second site, the structure not only reveals surprises, but its complexity. What seems to be eight single houses turns out to be an urban unity. Nature and architecture merge seamlessly. Arrangements become built structures and vice versa.
The design and the construction process of the project was accomplished with the active involvement of the future residents. The structure becomes a village within the village, with its big public living street, the green corridor and the small paths across the settlement.
