HÖPPL - SALMHOFER RESIDENCE
Graz, Austria
3RD FLOOR
2ND FLOOR
GROUND FLOOR
A combined residence and office building for a young couple in the hills of St. Leonhard, one of the most sought-after locations of Graz.
The uphill property is located on a western facing slope with a rather busy road on its bottom.
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Due to the dual character of the building we decided to place the structure directly at the road, carved into the hill. This placement of the building shelters the remainder of the property and provides privacy for the elevated lawn behind the living quarters of the residence. In addition, this placement affords the owner's surveying office direct access from the street.
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While the office entrance is located on the ground floor level, the residence is accessible at the second floor level from a driveway leading up the hill.
In addition to the private family lawn at the eastern side of the house and the pool at its southern edge, we designed a generous roof terrace to the west of the residence on top of the office. This terrace provides ample views of the city while creating an outdoor extension to the living area.
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Functionally, the ground floor is occupied by the surveyor's office and support functions and storage as well as a small guest apartment. The second floor is fully dedicated to the residence of the family featuring clear separation between gathering areas and bedrooms. Nevertheless, a small home office, with a dedicated stair that connects it with the main office on the ground floor, creates a link between working areas and the family residence.
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Finally, a small loft with a dedicated roof terrace on the 3rd floor contains a library that is directly connected with the double-height dining area.​​​​​
The stepped design of the building as well as the fact that a large portion of it is tucked into the hill make the building appear much smaller than it actually is.
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Due to the fact that the family owns a significant collection of artworks on paper, the design attempts to maximize wall spaces for the display of artwork.
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Formally, the building facades are separated into two elements: The horizontally aligned, stucco faced office and bedroom areas and the vertical wood clad dining and library tower.
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The general attitude of the design is one of resilience and alternative opportunities. Instead of telling the inhabitants how to live, it creates various spaces that invite family and visitors alike to explore and discover new and alternative modes of living.