Transparent House in Patsch

The transparent house by studio snow is defined by its construction of channelling viewing directions, not only outward to the alpine landscape, but also within the house. The concept of transparency allows the family to interact within the house and the house to interact with the surroundings. At the heart of the house all levels are combined by open ceilings what creates an inner atrium that allows to see from the bottom of the building to the very top.

Looking at the zoning, the first floor consists of dining and living area, followed by children’s area on the upper floor and the master-area on the top floor. The area of the parents ranges with bed-chamber, bathroom, walk-in closet, terrace and working space. Overall, all floors are defined into clear living areas. Due to the saving in the ceiling a net covers the kitchen and dining room to use the spare space to create playground for the children and to ensure visibility from either the kitchen/dining room or the working space on the top floor. In this way the family house becomes a lively dynamic, which allows the circulation of viewing directions.

Furthermore, the second transparent component of the house refers to the oriented and unlimited view to the outside surroundings. The house is located in Patsch in Tyrol, Austria which is situated at about 1000 m on a hill with an extraordinary view on Stubaier glacier, Brenner, Inn Valley and other mountain sceneries. Notably, the roof terrace fulfils an open viewing direction to the panoramic landscape. Special emphasis was placed on the orientation to the magnificent view of glaciers offering a year-round white peak. This transparency to the environment is ensured by a railing made of glass, as well as the open roof construction.

Besides, the external facade of the building is covered in flamed spruce boards to integrate the house mindfully into its natural location. Further on, to emphasize the upper body of the house with its wood panelling, the lower body or the ground floor is painted in white. In relation to the interior, the concept is defined by a mix of modern and industrial style identifiable through the industrial stairs for instance.

The construction is made out of steel and the steps are defined by wood boards out of oak. Special about these stairs is that the supporting layer consists of a very thin steel level. In combination, the materials create a sculpture, connecting all three floors with each another. The industrial character is also emphasised by the black steel railing. The transparent house in Tyrol is one example of Snows individual architecture creating not only a house but a home.

Snow. Architecture

PDH2 Bau, Tiroler Holzhaus, SMS Spenglerei, ILP Trockenbau Gesmbh, Fensterfuchs GmbH, Auer Haustechnik und Wellness GmbH, Elektro Knapp, Ofenart Klaus Larcher, M&L Lichtdesign, MS-Metalldesign OG, Estriche Fankauser, Alex Mossbrucker, Mate & Darko Putz OG, Emilie and Stephan Koll