House in Hernals, Vienna

The line of the black brick retaining wall at the entrance is continued internally by a hall that extends over the full width of the building, dividing the layout into two parts and conveying an impression of the sloping site. This division of the house is repeated on the upper floor by the single-flight staircase, which receives daylight over its full length from a lantern light in the roof. The rooms to the north open on to a terrace and orchard. The library and living room are oriented to a south-facing cantilevered balcony with a view over the city. The slender steel structure retreats behind the areas of glazing, thus heightening the impression of elegant transparency. Only the primary structure is in steel. The secondary beams and internal fittings are in timber.