Am Feuerbachl House by he und du ZT GmbH
Contemporary Alpine house with gabled forms, timber facades, and a bridge over a creek, blending tradition with sustainable design.
Location: Mils, Austria Architects: he und du ZT GmbH Lead Architects: Christian Hammerl, Elias Walch Year Completed: 2020 Area: 230 m² Photography: David Schreyer
A Harmonious Dialogue Between Architecture and Nature
Located in the picturesque village of Mils, Austria, the Am Feuerbachl House designed by he und du ZT GmbH presents a compelling architectural narrative rooted in contextual sensitivity, modern craftsmanship, and spatial clarity. Anchored in the firm’s vision of merging contemporary design with natural landscapes, this residence embodies the principle of “a house within a house,” where nested volumes and traditional forms create dynamic interior-exterior relationships.
Interpreting Tradition Through Contemporary Eyes
The architecture draws from Alpine vernacular traditions, most notably the pitched gabled roof, reinterpreted to suit a contemporary lifestyle. Rather than mimicking historical styles, the architects have abstracted traditional typologies into sculptural, intersecting volumes that evoke both familiarity and innovation.
The building’s massing is broken into distinct parts, each serving specific functional zones—daytime living, private quarters, and utility areas—creating both spatial separation and fluid openness. This clear zoning reinforces the "house-in-house" concept while enhancing daily living comfort.
Embracing the Natural Site
One of the most poetic features of the site is a small creek that meanders through the property. Instead of viewing this natural element as a challenge, the design celebrates it by incorporating a bridge, turning an obstacle into a narrative device that connects the home to its environment. This thoughtful intervention not only respects the site’s natural features but makes them part of the architectural experience.
By integrating the creek as a design element, the project exemplifies landscape-integrated architecture, allowing residents to interact visually and physically with nature while maintaining a sustainable footprint.
Sustainable Materiality and Craft
In line with its ecological ethos, Am Feuerbachl House is built using sustainable construction methods and regionally sourced materials. The facade showcases natural timber cladding that ages gracefully, blending the house even more seamlessly into its environment over time.
Key material partners include:
- RAICO – Therm+ H-I timber-glass facade systems
- Rieder Group, Josko, PREFA, Velux, and Vola, all contributing to the refined tactile palette and technical performance.
Large, carefully positioned windows and skylights by Velux bring abundant daylight deep into the interiors, reinforcing the home’s connection with its Alpine setting.
Interior Atmosphere and Spatial Experience
Inside, exposed beams, whitewashed walls, and timber finishes create a calm, tactile interior that celebrates craftsmanship. Every space is thoughtfully designed to capture framed views of the surrounding landscape—mountains, trees, and the gently flowing creek—while maintaining warmth and privacy.
