Viereck Architekten ZT GmbH

Set within the scenic mountain panorama of upper Styria, Austria, the “Deluxe Mountain Chalets” serve as an extension to the numerously awarded high- end restaurant “Wirtshaus Steirereck”.

The ambition was to capture fantastic views across the valley, so the owners together with the architects decided to place the chalets on top of the mountain crest in order to provide 360 degrees views. Due to the existing forest along the crest, the architects derived their concept from bird nests and developed it into chalets which are floating above the landscape.
Each chalet provides parking lots, gently integrated into the existing landscape underneath the buildings. The idea was to hide all M&E and technical components of the buildings within the landscape and to elevate the buildings above the terrain which gives a floating experience to the residents.
The main supporting structure consists of steel and point foundation while the superstructure is entirely built in timber and other natural materials to ensure sustainability. In order to integrate the chalets into the landscape, the choice for extensive green roofs was obvious.

The façade and even all window frames were manufactured with local larch wood, while the interior applications were recycled from parlors of old farmhouses.
Conveniently accessible from the parking lot underneath the chalet, the residents enter through a foyer into a spacious living room with dining area, a small kitchen and fire place. Fully glazed panorama windows serve as an extension of the living room, framing the surrounding nature and views and opening towards the terrace.
The bedrooms, also equipped with panorama windows, have attached bathrooms including a bathtub and sauna for ultimate relaxation.
Apart from using natural materials, a further benchmark in sustainability was achieved by making use of geothermal energy. Heat pumps deliver natural soil heat from 160m deep boreholes to the surface and serve into floor- and wall heating systems.