Holiday Chalet in Maria Alm
- Emilia Margaretha
The setting is an idyllic landscape 1042 metres above sea level: in the foreground, the austere building, in the background, an alpine silhouette. Three windowless exterior walls burrow into the slope; in contrast, the south side, facing the valley, has a glazed loggia on the upper level running the entire length of the building. The architects achieved a balance between fulfilling local building codes and implementing a modern interpretation of the classical solid-timber alpine cabin. Due to the sloping site, the main circulation is positioned in an intermediate level. The carport, which is incorporated in the building massing, shelters the entrance. Inside the home, a lofty space links the two levels. Solid wood is the predominant material for interior surfaces and the bespoke furniture. Each storey has a wood-burning stove and underfloor heating. Aside from the reinforced concrete foundations and the walls in contact with the ground, it is a purely wooden structure. Thanks to the high degree of prefabrication, construction lasted just 16 weeks. The exterior walls employ glue-laminated timber. The cantilever is made possible by storey-high cross-wall elements. The floor decks and roof are also executed in glue-laminated timber – in the case of the roof, the ends of the trusses extend beyond the building envelope and are visible. Soon the untreated larch boarding will turn silver, and the home will blend in with its surroundings.
