zu-haus
Austria

Replacing an old barn with a modern home has given this Austrian family a house that connects generations and integrates energy-saving technology with traditional architecture.

It is easy to see why a young family would want to settle down in Auerstal. The village in Austria’s Weinviertel region is characterised by dense and enclosed housing in the centre, a beautiful alley lined with wine cellars, and a gentle, hilly landscape.

On the outskirts of the village, the Döllinger-Tsao family of three set out to replace an old barn with a new house that would connect to the next-door home of one of the owner’s parents.

The environmentally conscious family came across architect Martin Rührnschopf, who is known for his sensitive approach and location-based ecological architecture.

Taking a holistic approach to energy, comfort and environment, the project team set out to develop a low-tech Active House concept with high residential quality. The small site, nestled between two existing buildings, had previously contained a barn; the new structure would ideally offer modern living conditions while paying tribute to the past.

It became neither a ‘modern, cool box’, nor an obviously modified country house with muntin bars on the windows and polystyrene profiling,

says architect Martin Rührnschopf.

On the site of the old barn, Rührnschopf created a 129 m2 home that incorporates the appearance of the original farm building while making use of modern elements. Completed in 2013, the contemporary interpretation of a barn continues through to the interior, with the pillars, the supporting structural elements, the ceiling beams and the roof all being made of wood.

On the inside, some of the inner wall surface was clad with the old clay bricks saved after the demolition as a tribute to the old barn.

It is easy to see why a young family would want to settle down in Auerstal. The village in Austria’s Weinviertel region is characterised by dense and enclosed housing in the centre, a beautiful alley lined with wine cellars, and a gentle, hilly landscape.

On the outskirts of the village, the Döllinger-Tsao family of three set out to replace an old barn with a new house that would connect to the next-door home of one of the owner’s parents.

The environmentally conscious family came across architect Martin Rührnschopf, who is known for his sensitive approach and location-based ecological architecture.

Taking a holistic approach to energy, comfort and environment, the project team set out to develop a low-tech Active House concept with high residential quality. The small site, nestled between two existing buildings, had previously contained a barn; the new structure would ideally offer modern living conditions while paying tribute to the past.

It is easy to see why a young family would want to settle down in Auerstal. The village in Austria’s Weinviertel region is characterised by dense and enclosed housing in the centre, a beautiful alley lined with wine cellars, and a gentle, hilly landscape.

On the outskirts of the village, the Döllinger-Tsao family of three set out to replace an old barn with a new house that would connect to the next-door home of one of the owner’s parents.

The environmentally conscious family came across architect Martin Rührnschopf, who is known for his sensitive approach and location-based ecological architecture.

Taking a holistic approach to energy, comfort and environment, the project team set out to develop a low-tech Active House concept with high residential quality. The small site, nestled between two existing buildings, had previously contained a barn; the new structure would ideally offer modern living conditions while paying tribute to the past.

It is easy to see why a young family would want to settle down in Auerstal. The village in Austria’s Weinviertel region is characterised by dense and enclosed housing in the centre, a beautiful alley lined with wine cellars, and a gentle, hilly landscape.

On the outskirts of the village, the Döllinger-Tsao family of three set out to replace an old barn with a new house that would connect to the next-door home of one of the owner’s parents.

The environmentally conscious family came across architect Martin Rührnschopf, who is known for his sensitive approach and location-based ecological architecture.

Taking a holistic approach to energy, comfort and environment, the project team set out to develop a low-tech Active House concept with high residential quality. The small site, nestled between two existing buildings, had previously contained a barn; the new structure would ideally offer modern living conditions while paying tribute to the past.


Product solutions used in this case

VELUX INTEGRA® roof windows

From £55.60

  • Remote-controlled VELUX roof windows
  • Electrically or solar powered
  • Fresh air and a better indoor comfort
If you want ultimate comfort, the remote-controlled VELUX INTEGRA® roof window is the answer. The window comes with the new VELUX INTEGRA® control pad so you can control all your windows and accessories – such as blinds, awning blinds and roller shutters – easier and faster from anywhere in your house. A pre-fitted rain sensor will close your roof window automatically if it starts raining. Being available in both electrically and solar powered versions, the VELUX INTEGRA® roof window is the ultimate choice for out-of-reach installations or fresh air and a better indoor comfort.

Awning blinds

  • Heat protection
  • Transparent fabric
  • Installs from the inside

The exterior VELUX awning blind blocks the sun’s rays before they hit your window pane and reduces passive heating by up to 72%*. It helps keep your room comfortable on a warm, sunny day. Awning blinds are transparent, so you can still enjoy your view.

VELUX CABRIO® balcony and roof terrace

Make use of unused space while adding a new dimension to your home with VELUX CABRIO® balcony and roof terrace. Add extra daylight, fresh air and direct access to the outdoors with these innovative windows. Choose VELUX CABRIO® if you’d like to add a balcony to your home or choose a roof terrace to make use of unused roof space.

VELUX INTEGRA® Family

The VELUX INTEGRA® system is a portfolio of mains- and solar-powered roof windows, blinds, shutters and accessories that make owning a VELUX window easier and more convenient. All products are easy to use and enjoy thanks to the elegant VELUX INTEGRA® control pad and its intuitive, icon-based interface and pre-defined programmes.

Contact us: