Terra Mater Factual Studios by Berger Parkkinen + Architects

A Sustainable Expansion Rooted in Nature and Film Innovation

Located in the serene villa district of Vienna-Hietzing, Terra Mater Factual Studios—a globally acclaimed film production company specializing in nature documentaries—has undergone a remarkable architectural transformation. Designed by the Austrian-Finnish practice Berger Parkkinen + Architects, the project reimagines the studio’s historic Art Nouveau villa into a sustainable, future-ready creative campus.

The architects were tasked with reorganizing and expanding the existing facilities to meet the growing spatial and technical demands of the studio while maintaining harmony with its lush surroundings. The result is a contemporary wooden pavilion that seamlessly connects old and new structures, expressing Terra Mater’s commitment to both innovation and environmental stewardship.

Balancing Heritage and Modern Functionality

Terra Mater’s original Art Nouveau villa had previously undergone several modifications—including an extension in the 1980s and the addition of a glass bridge entrance and garden-facing meeting cube in 2003. The latest intervention continues this architectural evolution with sensitivity, creating a dialogue between heritage and modernity.

The new extension includes office spaces, meeting rooms, an employee lounge, and a server cooling center discreetly integrated into the building’s design. Despite the complex technical infrastructure required for film production, the architects managed to preserve the elegance and natural character of the property.

Central to the design philosophy was the preservation of the site’s iconic “house tree”, a mature feature of the garden that continues to anchor the ensemble visually and symbolically.

Sustainable Architecture and Timber Construction

Sustainability was a guiding principle throughout the project. The new pavilion was constructed entirely from solid wood, reflecting both ecological responsibility and architectural craftsmanship. This choice not only reduced the project’s carbon footprint but also created a warm, tactile interior atmosphere.

The architects faced the challenge of integrating extensive mechanical and electrical systems within the timber framework—a task achieved through precise spatial planning and flexible structural design. The interiors reveal the exposed wooden beams, walls, and ceilings, finished with a soft white glaze that enhances light diffusion and accentuates the surrounding greenery.

A Living Façade in Dialogue with Nature

Encasing the building is a striking metal Rank structure—a geometric, ornamental shell that both protects and defines the pavilion. Over time, climbing plants and seasonal vegetation will envelop this façade, turning the building into a living, breathing organism that changes with the seasons.

This biophilic design strategy ensures a dynamic connection between architecture and ecology. As vines grow and colors shift throughout the year, the building evolves continuously, mirroring Terra Mater’s ethos of celebrating life and natural diversity.

Spatial Harmony and Environmental Awareness

The project’s design emphasizes flexibility, transparency, and connection—to nature, to light, and to human activity. The interior’s clear tectonic rhythm and adaptable layout allow for future transformations, ensuring long-term functionality.

All photographs are works of Hertha Huraus, Ana Barros, Alfred Berger