Two Houses and Site by Mostlikely Architecture in Klosterneuburg, Austria

Project: Two Houses and Site
Architects: Mostlikely Architecture
Location: Klosterneuburg, Austria
Area: 4,413 sq ft
Year: 2021
Photography by: Mostlikely Architecture, Sara Sera

Two Houses and Site by Mostlikely Architecture in Klosterneuburg, Austria

Mostlikely Architecture transformed a 1950s house in Klosterneuburg, Austria into a modern masterpiece by integrating the old structure into a new project. The house features a central atrium connecting the old and new sections through a shared courtyard. Its facade combines black metal pergolas with wooden lattice screens, which function as both design elements and functional blinds. Inside, open spaces with varying floor levels create a dynamic 'Raumplan' with changing room heights. The interior is characterized by concrete exposure, rough walls, and smooth floors. Vertical openings enhance the sense of space, while sliding doors connect the inner courtyard to a backyard with a natural pool and views of the Danube. The project preserves existing trees while repurposing the original house into a guesthouse and workshop.

The family found their dream in Klosterneuburg, Austria: a cozy 1950s house at the front of a long plot and a beautiful view of the Danube at the back. Initially planning to demolish the existing house, we decided to integrate it into a new construction project. The new house was inserted and oriented to create an atrium between the old and new buildings, connected by a shared courtyard.

The black metal pergola structure on the shorter side is filled with wooden lattice screens and designed as high pivot doors to adapt to various needs. Wooden lattices continue into the windows of the new building as large sliding blinds, creating a minimalist yet lively facade that constantly changes.

Inside the house, the first floor presents one large open space structured by varying floor levels following the slope of the plot, creating different zones while maintaining generality. The result is a 'Raumplan' in the sense of Loos, where room heights continuously change.

Materials are mainly concrete with built-in boards on the ceiling, rough walls, and smooth floors. Vertical openings enhance this sense of openness, with a circular cutout in the first-floor ceiling marking the center of the house. A mesh is stretched across the circular opening on the middle level, providing interesting spatial situations.

Different garden areas are skillfully connected, with large sliding doors and windows linking the inner courtyard to a spacious backyard. The natural pool at the rear offers a wide view of the Danube, and an elegant shed roof facing the street is used as a garage. Existing trees were carefully preserved, and the combination of the new house's wooden cladding and trees makes the house naturally blend into its surroundings. The old house was converted into a guesthouse and workshop.

–Mostlikely Architecture