Am Feuerbachl House By he und du ZT GmbH

A “House Within a House” Embedded in the Alpine Landscape

Located in Mils, Austria, House Am Feuerbachl is a single-family residence designed by he und du ZT GmbH that explores the architectural concept of the “house within a house.” Completed in 2020 and spanning 230 square meters, the project is defined by a composition of distinct volumes unified within a single envelope, resulting in a spatially rich and visually dynamic domestic environment.

Set within a natural Alpine context, the house carefully balances contemporary residential architecture with references to traditional gabled forms, creating a strong connection to both place and architectural heritage.

Architecture Shaped by Context and Constraint

The site presented a unique challenge: a small creek running through the plot. Rather than treating this as a limitation, the architects transformed it into a defining design feature. A slender bridge connects the house to the land, turning the act of arrival into an experiential moment and reinforcing the project’s dialogue with the surrounding landscape.

This sensitive response to site conditions reflects the project’s broader commitment to sustainable design principles, where architecture works in harmony with nature rather than imposing upon it.

The “House in the House” Concept

At the core of the design lies the idea of clearly articulated interior volumes. These smaller “houses” within the larger structure organize functions and create intimate spatial sequences, while maintaining openness and visual continuity. This strategy allows for a clear separation of private and shared spaces without compromising the overall sense of flow.

The arrangement of rooms produces a layered living experience, where framed views, changing ceiling heights, and natural light define movement through the house.

Gabled Roofs and Spatial Character

The use of traditional gabled roofs plays a key role in shaping both the exterior identity and interior atmosphere of House Am Feuerbachl. Externally, the gables echo local architectural typologies, helping the building blend naturally into its Alpine surroundings. Internally, they generate distinctive spatial conditions, enriching the living areas with varied proportions and a strong architectural character.

Exposed structural elements and carefully positioned openings further enhance the interplay between structure, light, and materiality.

Materiality and Sustainable Construction

A restrained palette of timber, glass, and high-performance façade systems reinforces the house’s connection to nature while ensuring durability and energy efficiency. Large windows frame views of the surrounding greenery, dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior spaces and maximizing daylight throughout the home.

Manufacturers such as RAICO, Rieder Group, Josko, PREFA, Velux, and Vola contribute to the project’s technical precision and material quality, supporting a long-lasting and sustainable residential environment.

Living in Dialogue with Nature

House Am Feuerbachl is conceived as a place of coexistence between architecture and landscape. From the bridge crossing the creek to the careful integration of volumes and materials, every design decision reinforces a sense of belonging to the site. The result is a home that feels both contemporary and rooted, offering comfort, clarity, and a strong emotional connection to its natural surroundings.

All the photographs are works of David Schreyer