Living within trees. A single-family house by mia2/architects.
The client discovered the site during a walk, a small piece of wilderness with the River Enns in sight. The location kindled a desire to live in the midst of its trees. At first glance, a house seemed impossible. Only a narrow strip of land lay on level ground, before the property fell 6.5 meters steeply down to the flood plain of the river.
The awkward terrain was dealt with using an unusual yet simple construction technique: the two-storey rectangular wooden habitation rests only partially on solid ground. The remainder of its volume juts out over the embankment, stretching out between the trees, supported by a steel shelf.
From the outset, a high proportion of the client's own labour was planned in. The simple methodology of construction made it possible to carry the project out step by step, with a clear division of labour between professionals and the client.
The foundations were laid and the steel shelving built by work crews. The solid wood panels for the ceilings and walls were delivered and assembled within a week. All further construction, from the straw insulation surrounding the living spaces, the façade of horizontal larch slats, the terrace and carport, as well as a large part of the interior work, were taken over by the client himself.
In the interior, light fir wood creates a natural ambience. At the heart of the living room is a tiled stove made of unadorned firebrick, which uses modern storage technology to heat the entire house. Large windows let the green of the treetops deep into its rooms.
